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c1920 Coppertop Cruises by Harold Gaze Antique Illustrated Childrens Book

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Condition: Good

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c1920 Coppertop Cruises by Harold Gaze Antique Illustrated Childrens Book

Coppertop Cruises
By Harold Gaze
Illustrations by the Author
Published by Melbourne Publishing Company: Melbourne c1920 (undated - presume 1st Australian Edition 1920)
Beautifully Illustrated With All Illustrations Present

" Coppertop Cruises is a richly imaginative children's fantasy by Harold Gaze, one of Australia's most distinctive early illustrators and storytellers, best remembered for his whimsical blend of fairy-tale, maritime adventure, and gentle humour. The story follows the delightful voyage of the good ship Queercraft, captained by the spirited red-haired Coppertop, as she and her companions encounter enchanted seas, strange islands, and curious characters, including witches, fantastical creatures, and dreamlike coastal landscapes. Gaze's narrative balances playful nonsense verse with episodic adventure, firmly rooted in the Edwardian and post-Edwardian tradition of imaginative children's literature.

A defining feature of this edition is the author's own illustrations, which appear throughout the volume and are integral to its charm. Gaze's artwork is instantly recognisable: soft watercolour palettes, expressive figures, and a theatrical sense of movement that brings each episode vividly to life. Full-page colour plates and charming decorative elements enhance the reading experience, making the book as much a visual delight as a literary one. The illustrations shown—ranging from magical rainbow scenes to surreal nautical imagery—demonstrate Gaze's ability to merge fantasy, humour, and emotion with exceptional artistic sensitivity.

Published by the Melbourne Publishing Company around 1920, this undated Australian edition is widely regarded as the first Australian issue of the work and represents an important example of early twentieth-century Australian children's book production. Complete with all illustrations present, it stands as both a collectible illustrated book and a cultural artefact from Australia's golden age of illustrated children's literature. This charming volume would particularly appeal to collectors of Australian illustrated books, admirers of Harold Gaze, and those with an interest in early fantasy and children's literature."

General wear and light staining to covers with some damage and repairs to outer spine. Inscription to front blank endpaper. Binding strong with firm covers and no loose pages. All illustrations present as called for. Pages tanned but otherwise clean and beautifully presented. A nice copy in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.

Size 25.5cm x 18.5cm x 1.25cm - 133 Pages

PRODUCT DETAILS


Condition: Good
Binding: Hardcover
Special Attributes: ["1st Edition", "Illustrated", "Original Bindings"]
Region: Europe
Subject: Children's
Original/Facsimile: Original
Seller Notes: General wear and light staining to covers with some damage and repairs to outer spine. Inscription to front blank endpaper. Binding strong with firm covers and no loose pages. All illustrations present as called for. Pages tanned but otherwise clean and beautifully presented. A nice copy in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Language: English
Author: Harold Gaze
Publisher: Melbourne Publishing Company: Melbourne
Year Printed: 1920
Sub-subject: Antique Children's