The SNOW MAN'S CHRISTMAS: FIRST TOYLAND SERIES; #1 OF 3.

BARELY KNOWN SERIES -- even to ardent Collector's is the ORIGINAL "TOYLAND" SERIES, FIRST EDITION by the ORIGINAL AUTHOR, Mary Herrick Bird, Published by EDWARD STERN & Co, 1908. There were 3 Titles in this Absolutely Charming Series, All portraying Children's Dolls in Great Adventures -- all illustrated by the incomparable JOSEPH C. CLAGHORN, each containing no less than 36 of these true color gems -Plus those Great Illustrated end papers!! While there is precious little information about these originals, the fact that Edward Stern Co. went out of business by 1909 (patents taken over by Edward Barse - Same thing happened to the Roosevelt Bears Books) helps explain their scarcity....probably never reprinted by Stern & Co. However, unlike the Roosevelt Bears books (which Barse started publishing under their name right away), these were not re-printed for 20 YEARS by Barse ...And even then not as Originally published!! --- So, Collector's, if it looks hauntingly familiar, check 1928, under a new Author/Editor JOSEPHINE LAWRENCE for the Second TOYLAND SERIES. She broke each of the 3 Originals (Snowman, Indian, & Dollville) into 3 separate books each, for a total of 9 in the Barse series! --- those are very well known & popular, and I have some of those listed as well!! With all of that in mind, this Original is QUITE NICE !! The boards are Very Nice -- touch of tip wear only. Binder shaken but No Loose pages, Front Hinge starting to crack, Rear Great. Interior Clean, with No Names, Marks or Damage!! 4" x 6". A miniature Snowman Doll is created & brought to life by that twinkling Fairy in the Front Paste-on, to be with the Jolly Holly Berrys Family for the Christmas Holiday