Extremely Rare- 1899- Arabella and Araminta Stories Gertrude Smith-Small Maynard For Sale

Originally published in 1895, The Arabella and Araminta Stories by Gertrude Smith is a landmark late-19th-century children’s classic. The book follows the whimsical, charming daily adventures of four-year-old twin sisters, Arabella and Araminta, as they explore the simplicity and wonder of childhood. Through a series of playful vignettes, the girls go poppy-picking, wade through brooks, play with animal crackers, celebrate the Fourth of July, and share warm family moments. Written in a distinctly rhythmic, repetitive, and simple style, it was highly innovative for its time, designed specifically to capture the attention and reading capabilities of young children.Artistic & Collectible Significance:Beyond its delightful stories, this specific title is highly prized by rare book collectors for its incredible artistic lineage.Illustrations by Ethel Reed: This edition is embellished with 15 full-page illustrative designs by celebrated American poster artist Ethel Reed. Regarded as a pioneer of the Art Nouveau graphic style in America, Reed\'s bold, Japanese-print-influenced illustrations make this volume a masterpiece of late-1890s book design.Distinguished Introduction: Features an introduction by noted 19th-century American author Mary E. Wilkins Freeman (credited here as Mary E. Wilkins).Historical Publisher: This copy was published in 1899 by the prominent Boston firm Small, Maynard & Company, who famously carried on the beautiful bookmaking traditions of Copeland & Day.First page has separated from book- see pictureBinding is still in good shape