Gypsy's Cousin Joy, by E. Stuart Phelps, (RARE, Decorative Binding, The Ruby Series), Undated 📜✨👧

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is an undated edition of "Gypsy's Cousin Joy" by E. Stuart Phelps. This volume, part of "The Ruby Series,"was published by George Routledge and Sons, Limited. It is an example of late 19th-century book art and has a bookseller's notation.

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2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

"Gypsy's Cousin Joy" continues the story of Gypsy, a young girl, as she interacts with her cousin, Joy. The narrative explores themes of compassion, understanding, and empathy. The story highlights the challenges and joys of growing up within a close-knit family.

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3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

Elizabeth Stuart Phelps (Ward) was an American author and social reformer. She was known for her children's series, including the "Gypsy" books. Phelps also wrote for adult audiences, advocating for women's education and professional opportunities. Her writings are studied for their insights into 19th-century American culture.

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

This book's publication in the late 19th century places it in a period when children's literature often served to instill moral and social values. The book's decorative binding, with its intricate gilt and colored stamping, is a hallmark of Victorian publishing aesthetics.

As part of a series, it also represents a publishing trend of creating collectible sets for young readers.

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This antique edition of "Gypsy's Cousin Joy" is a valuable and collectible item for its beautiful decorative binding. It is for a collector of Victorian children's literature, Victorian-era book art, or books from "The Ruby Series." The prior ownership inscription, which appears to be a bookseller's code, adds a touch of its historical journey.

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This antique edition of "Gypsy's Cousin Joy" is a Rare and valuable collectible item for its beautiful decorative binding. The pictorial cloth binding, with its intricate floral and vine designs, is a classic example of late 19th-century decorative book art. Being part of "The Ruby Series" also appeals to collectors of these aesthetically consistent sets.

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is a used hardcover edition with a decorative pictorial cloth binding.

• The binding shows visible wear, including rubbing, scuffing, and some loss of the original finish, particularly on the spine and edges.

• The gilt and colored stamping show some fading.

• The pages are age-toned but remain clear and legible.

• A handwritten inscription is on the front endpaper.

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8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• Elizabeth Stuart Phelps was a social reformer known for her progressive views on women's rights.

• The book is part of "The Ruby Series," a collection known for its focus on moral development.

• The book has a decorative pictorial cloth binding with intricate floral and vine designs.

• This book contains a bookseller's notation.

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9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Author: E. Stuart Phelps

• Publication Date: Undated (c. Late 19th century)

• Edition: The Ruby Series Edition

• Publisher: George Routledge and Sons, Limited

• Place of Publication: N/A (not specified)

• Illustrator(s): None

• Unique Provenance: Bookseller/inventory notation.

• Book Cover Type: Hardcover with decorative pictorial binding.

• Genre: Children's Classic, Victorian Literature.

• Transcription: This book has a handwritten inscription on the front endpaper, which reads: "Y P541" and "$2.00, 23."