The Poetical Alphabet by Mrs. Lovechild, 1848 fun carving and row of potted tulips

and row of potted tulips on the shelf at right

nice and tight with no losses that I can see

I think it is quite a wonderful little thing

followed by a long text in pencil which seems to provide a humor-filled set instructions of for how to use it--a bit difficult to read but fun that it is there and with a little work I think much of it could be deciphered

The Poetical Alphabet by Mrs. Lovechild, 1848 fun carving and row of potted tulipsI have to guess that Mrs. Lovechild was a pseudonym too perfect for the writer of this beautiful little book for children! I found it not far from Concord, NY where is it was hand printed in 1848, and just thought it completely lovely as it runs through all sorts of things beginning with each letter of the alphabet, with accompanying engravings of cats and cows, boats and dogs and swans and "Whip poor wills" and more. A charming gift for a young