From the library of British painter and illustrator George Elgar Hicks (1824-1914).

Bound in alligator, with gilt title on upper cover; rebacked.

In English.

Two anonymous manuscript stories, apparently original and unpublished, probably in several hands, with many illustrations, all in pen and ink. Each story has a full divisional title, with made-up London imprints dated 1870. It is unclear whether the manuscript is the work of more than one author. The writing hand of the first story appears different than that of the second; the illustrations are also of variant styles, but it is not possible to ascertain whether multiple artists are employed.

The divisional title of the first story reads: "The canoe race, and what happened to the racers; a racing story of sensation(s) by G. Penne and W.B. Inke, revised and corrected by the kind help of E. Raser. London. De Lirry, Us, and Knight Mayor, Old Brain Place, 1870." It consists of 32 pages of comic-book style presentation, with 128 illustrated panels (usually four to a page) accompanied by limited text. The light-hearted story recounts a canoe race gone awry, with various misfortunes, near-drownings, and reveries.

The divisional title of the second story reads: "An authentic account of the wonderful adventures of Major Max Minimus, of the 10th Mopshire Rifle Volunteers, in the Franco-Prussian War, shewing in what way his attempts at mediation were crowned with success, and why he returned to England. Preceded by a full account as to why he joined the volunteers, and how he rose in the ranks. By the authors of 'The canoe race, and what became' &c. London, D. Roll and Co., Michael, & Strange, Scratches Row, 1870." Each of the 24 pages of the story features a centrally placed illustration, neatly bordered by two columns of text.

Canoe race, and what happened to the racers.

Authentic account of the wonderful adventures of Major Max Minimus.

Canoes and canoeing > Fiction.

Franco-Prussian War, 1870-1871 > Fiction.

Comic histories.

Ink drawings.