1 25

A Dog of Flanders, by Ouida, (RARE, The Roycrofters Edition), 1911 🎨🐕🇧🇪

Name: A Dog of Flanders, by Ouida, (RARE, The Roycrofters Edition), 1911 🎨🐕🇧🇪
Brand: Wall Antiques
Price: 150.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$150.00

Sale Sold out

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a rare and beautiful edition of "A Dog of Flanders" by Ouida, published by the famed Roycrofters in 1911.

The story's timeless tale of loyalty and friendship is presented in an artisanal, handcrafted volume from a publisher that was a cornerstone of the American Arts and Crafts movement. This book is a premier acquisition for any serious collector of classic children's literature or fine, decorative books.

2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨

"A Dog of Flanders" is a deeply moving tale set in Belgium that tells the story of Nello, a poor but talented young orphan, and his faithful dog, Patrasche.

The narrative follows their struggles against poverty and social injustice, highlighting their deep bond of friendship and Nello's artistic aspirations.

Despite facing hardship and cruelty, Nello and Patrasche find solace and beauty in their shared companionship and Nello's love for the paintings of Peter Paul Rubens. The story culminates in a dramatic and emotional climax, leaving a lasting impression on readers with its themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of human and animal connection.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️✨

Ouida was the pen name of Maria Louise Ramé (1839-1908), an English novelist known for her melodramatic and often morally instructive stories. Her achievements include writing popular novels that explored themes of social class, love, and morality, often set in exotic or romanticized locales.

While her style could be sentimental and her plots sometimes melodramatic, Ouida's works captivated a wide readership and reflected the social concerns and literary tastes of her time. "A Dog of Flanders", though a children's story, is one of her most enduring works, remembered for its emotional impact and its exploration of themes of poverty and injustice.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

This book is a product of The Roycrofters, a celebrated community of artisans and craftspeople founded by Elbert Hubbard in New York. Active during the peak of the American Arts and Crafts movement, The Roycrofters believed that books should be beautiful objects in and of themselves.

This 1911 printing, while a later edition of the story, is a primary example of their philosophy, showcasing the care, craftsmanship, and decorative artistry they applied to every volume.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This Roycrofters edition of "A Dog of Flanders" is a core acquisition for a collector building a focused library on the American Arts and Crafts movement, fine bindings, and artisanal books. It is a perfect fit for a literary historian who appreciates the intersection of classic children's literature with the unique aesthetic of a specific publishing community.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This 1911 Roycrofters edition of A Dog of Flanders is a genuinely scarce asset.

The book is 114 years old, having survived a century of history. Its value is not based on its status as a literary first edition, but as a beautiful, handcrafted work from a highly sought-after publisher. This is a premium asset for a discerning collector.

Collectors of the American Arts and Crafts movement, fine bindings, and artisanal books all seek out Roycrofters volumes for their distinctive quality and design. The personal inscription from a previous owner adds a unique layer of provenance and history to this specific copy, further justifying its premium price. This non-replicable asset holds value that far exceeds a standard reprint.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is a used hardcover edition with a decorative artisanal binding.

Binding: The binding shows visible wear consistent with its age, including rubbing, scuffing, and some discoloration to the boards. The bookbinding has overhanging material, which shows wear on the edges.
Pages: The pages are age-toned but remain clear and legible.
Structural Integrity: The binding is tight and sound, ensuring the book's structural integrity.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

Ouida, the author, was a pen name for Maria Louise Ramé.
The Roycrofters community, founded by Elbert Hubbard, was a celebrated group of artisans and craftspeople known for their books that were both aesthetically pleasing and well-made.
Elbert Hubbard, the founder of The Roycrofters, was a highly influential figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement and a writer himself. He authored a series of biographies known as "Little Journeys," which celebrated the lives of famous artists, writers, and philosophers.
The book's personal inscription from 1979 adds a layer of provenance, showing that this book was a cherished gift long after its initial publication.