Ernest Nister – The Robins at Home (Pop-Up Book)
With an Introduction by Fred E. Weatherly
London & New York: Ernest Nister / E. P. Dutton & Co., 1895. First edition.
Small quarto (25 x 20 cm; 9¾" x 8"). Pictorial glazed boards with cloth spine. “Printed in Bavaria. 636.” Stated on verso. A delightful Victorian panorama picture book containing four elaborate three-dimensional pop-up scenes, each mounted on a verso with accompanying text on the facing page. Issued as part of Nister’s celebrated movable series, this volume showcases his mechanical ingenuity and charming chromolithographed illustrations, printed with exceptional quality in Bavaria.
The four pop-ups are in excellent original condition. The clown figure in the final tableau has been professionally restored with archival integrity. The interior shows minor age-related foxing and slight chipping to some page edges, typical for this format. Binding remains firm and intact, with expected edgewear. A neat contemporary gift inscription dated 1897 appears on the front endpaper.
This is a very good example of one of Nister’s most endearing works, notable both for its construction and for the gentle narrative contributed by Fred E. Weatherly.
Collector’s Corner:
Ernest Nister (1841–1906) was a pioneering German publisher and printer based in Nuremberg, best known for his innovative movable and transformation books for children during the late 19th century. His work stood out for its exceptional chromolithography, precision paper engineering, and charming, wholesome imagery. Though his firm operated in Germany, Nister maintained a strong transatlantic presence by publishing dual-language editions and partnering with E.P. Dutton in New York. His contributions helped popularize pop-up and revolving books as a distinct genre of children’s literature during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Fred E. Weatherly (1848–1929) was an English barrister, author, and lyricist, remembered today for writing the lyrics to the songs “Danny Boy” and “Roses of Picardy.” A prolific and versatile writer, Weatherly also authored numerous poems, hymns, and children's verses. His collaborations with publishers such as Nister resulted in many sentimental and morally uplifting children’s books. His lyrical style was a perfect complement to Nister’s tender visual storytelling.