[Valentine, Laura], AUNT LOUISA'S KEEPSAKE, London: Frederick Warne and Co., 1868.  First edition blue hardcover w/gilt titling and elaborate gilt tooling, 4to, (10.250 x8.750"), very good / n.a., [142 pp.], printed on one side of page only, alternating sides, predominantly verso.  The head and tail of spine are worn, as are the edges of the boards and corners, some light soiling periodically, some light transference of the oil colors through the page onto the blank sides, very lightly and appropriately age toned to period, no foxing noted. 

      A wonderful children's tome from the mid 19th century.  There are four stories told within: Sing a Song o' Sixpence, The Robin's Christmas Eve, Robin Hood and His Merry Men and The Sea Side.  These stories are illustrated with full plate oil colored chromo-lithographic plates.  A simply delightful book for both children and adults.  Hard to go wrong on this one - quite the distinctive Capture of Tyme.

      Laura Belinda Charlotte Jewry (married name Laura Valentine), pen names Mrs. S.Valentine and Aunt Louisa; 1814-1899, was a Victorian English writer primarily known for her children's literature. She was quite the prolific author indeed.  She also served as a chief editor for Frederick Warne and Co.,and was the editor of several other literary endeavors. In her spare time she was an expert in the Shakespeare genre and was quite notable therein. It would seem Mrs. Valentine was far ahead of her time.