London: Griffith, Farran, Okeden, and Welsh, [1887]. FIRST EDITION. A rare, early work by Edith Nesbit (1858 - 1924). Nesbit wrote over 40 children's books and collaborated on many more. She popularized a new style of children's fantasy that incorporated magical objects and adventures into everyday life. Her work directly influenced C.S. Lewis's "Narnia" series in which he mentions the Bastable children which were characters from her novel "The Story of the Treasure Seekers" (1898). She has directly and indirectly influenced many other popular authors including J.K. Rowling ("Harry Potter") and P.L. Tavers ("Mary Poppins"). Very good in original stiff wrappers covered in cream colored silk with cord binding. The title and illustration of a cross with lilies are printed on the front panel of the silk and an illustration of the moon to the rear panel. Rubbing to boards along hinges and edges. Minor fraying to the cloth along the spine and edges of boards. The interior is clean and bright with a charming poem accompanied by eight illustrations printed and lithographed by Ernest Nister of Nuremberg. Very nice. [16 pages] POE/050108. Very Good