Raphael Tuck & Sons, Ltd.
The Youngsters’ Library – Series I (Panorama Toy Books, Complete in Original Box) (Movable Book)
London · Paris · New York: Raphael Tuck & Sons, Ltd., [1892]. First edition.
A scarce and complete boxed set of twelve die-cut accordion-fold panorama toy books issued as The Youngsters’ Library, Series I. All twelve titles are present, each an individual chromolithographed panorama with six embossed panels illustrating a classic tale or scene. The original publisher’s pictorial box is present, partially intact, and titled The Youngsters’ Library: Containing Twelve Different “Panorama” Toy Books.
Original Box:
Partial original publisher’s box with printed title and “Series I” notation at upper left. Though cracked and chipped along edges and reinforced on the back with removable tape, the original top cover survives and remains legible. Marked No. 891.
Box Dimensions: approx. 5 x 6.5 x 2 inches.
Each Panorama: 12 × 8 cm (closed), opens to approx. 43 cm (17 inches) wide.
Contents – All 12 Panorama Toy Books Present:
All twelve volumes are die-cut, embossed, and printed in chromolithography on stiff card, accordion-folded. Minor faults noted below; otherwise very good to near fine overall.
– Little Red Riding Hood (No. 20) – Fine; tape reinforcement on two hinges (verso).
– A Visit to the Zoo (No. 21) – Fine; no separations.
– John Gilpin (No. 22) – Fine; complete.
– The Circus (No. 23) – Fine; complete; tape on reverse.
– Robinson Crusoe (No. 24) – Fine; separated hinges.
– The Three Kittens (No. 25) – Complete; tape on back; one paw missing.
– The Three Bears (No. 26) – Fine; complete.
– Jack and the Beanstalk (No. 27) – Fine; one hinge separated.
– A Visit to the Aquarium (No. 810) – Fine; complete.
– A Visit to the Aviary (No. 811) – Panels separated; one bar missing on final panel.
– The Babes in the Wood (No. 812) – Fine; complete.
– Old Mother Hubbard (No. 813) – Fine; some hinges separated.
Condition:
Very Good overall. All panoramas are complete with vibrant chromolithography. Minor tears or hinge separations as noted, but structurally sound. Original box present (partial -see image), which is rare; most sets have lost the box entirely. Contents clean and bright.
Collector’s Corner:
This boxed set is one of the earliest known panorama series issued by Raphael Tuck & Sons. The Youngsters’ Library branding was used for boxed groupings of their panorama books marketed in the early 1890s. The series is advertised in The Bookseller, Vol. 1892, p. 1045 and in The Publishers' Trade List Annual, Part 2, 1893.
The existence of “Series I” as printed on the box confirms priority over the later “Series II” (which contained a different set of panoramas under the same branding).
