Ellinor Davenport Adams, a British journalist and writer, was known for her girls' fiction, often telling stories from a child's perspective. Born in 1858, she came from a family deeply involved in literature and drama; her father, William Henry Davenport Adams, was a prolific author with over 100 books to his name, and her siblings were also writers. Adams's literary career spanned from 1878 to 1903, with many of her later works published by Blackie and Son, for whom she also worked as a publisher's reader. Her work, including "Robin's Ride," contributes to the body of late 19th and early 20th-century children's literature, offering insights into the aspirations and challenges presented to young readers of that era.
"Robin's Ride" is a story for children, a genre Ellinor Davenport Adams specialized in. While specific plot details are not readily available, the title suggests a narrative centered around a character named Robin and a journey or adventure. Children's literature of this period often aimed to impart moral lessons or provide wholesome entertainment, and Adams's focus on a child's perspective would have made her stories relatable to her young audience. The inclusion of illustrations by W. S. Stacy would have further enhanced the book's appeal to children, making the story more engaging and memorable.
For collectors, "Robin's Ride" holds significance as an example of children's literature from a notable, albeit less widely known, author of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. Ellinor Davenport Adams's connection to a literary family and her consistent output of girls' fiction make her works relevant to those interested in the history of children's books and women writers. The involvement of illustrator W. S. Stacy, a British artist known for his book illustrations, also adds to the book's collectible value, as his work appeared in numerous publications of the time. Books like "Robin's Ride" offer a glimpse into the cultural and educational values promoted to children during this historical period.
Overall condition is Fair. The cloth-covered boards are significantly edgeworn, with moderate dampstaining, and moderate fading to the cloth. The corners are bumped. The spine is significantly rubbed, with moderate fraying and bumping to the head and tail. The hinges and joints are tight. The text block and pages are Fair, exhibiting minor dampstaining and foxing. The endpapers have an inscription. The plates and illustrations are present. No date printed.
Illustrated edition. Hardcover. No dust jacket. Bound in cloth over boards. This is an antiquarian book that has had a long and illustrious journey through time. Please take a look at the pictures to ascertain the condition of this item.
Location: ABS-1-3-013