Our Baby’s Chatterbox, 1885 (Antique Book, HB)

Our Baby’s Chatterbox: Vintage 1885 Edition

This 1885 hardback edition of Our Baby’s Chatterbox offers a charming piece of children’s literature. Aunt Hattie (Madeline Leslie) wrote this book, and Belford, Clarke and Co. published it. The book measures 10.5 inches long, 7.75 inches wide, and 0.5 inches deep. It boasts a beautiful color pictorial cover, and stylized fonts from the era enhance its appearance. This book copied the style of a British magazine, Chatterbox, but this American version targets younger children. It features a larger reading font and simpler stories. The book is profusely illustrated with black and white engravings, making this pre-owned item a delightful historical artifact.

Inspired by a British Favorite

The original Chatterbox magazine began in December 1866, when British clergyman John Erskine Clark founded it. It quickly became one of the most popular children’s magazines, reaching young readers in both Britain and America. The magazine appeared weekly, costing a halfpenny. Today, bound annuals of the magazine exist, with the first annual coming out in 1867. This publication primarily aimed at “older” children, specifically those with good reading ability.

Tailored for Younger Readers

Unlike its British inspiration, Our Baby’s Chatterbox specifically targets very young children. It offers simpler stories, and the larger reading font makes it easier for new readers. This thoughtful design helps small children engage with the text, while the plentiful illustrations also aid comprehension.

Renowned for Illustrations

The original Chatterbox was widely known for its illustrations. Animal artist Harrison Weir often contributed to its pages, illustrating various animal anecdotes and fables. Typically, every third page featured a full-page engraving, making Chatterbox a significant art source. It provides great insight into the Victorian era. This edition continues that tradition with many detailed engravings.

An American Imitation

The British Chatterbox saw publication in both countries. However, many unauthorized American imitations arose, also using the “Chatterbox” name. Our Baby’s Chatterbox is one such book. These imitations often had entirely different content, and unauthorized copies sometimes led to copyright lawsuits. Thus, this book represents a unique part of publishing history.

Condition of This Vintage Book

This pre-owned book is in good condition for its age, considering it is 140 years old. The spine is mostly tight, and most pages remain clean. The inside cover edge paper separated from the staples, and the back cover and spine are loose from staples. Rubbing appears on the covers and spine, and some smudges are present. Corners show bumps, and there are small tears at the base of the spine. Page edges show dark tanning. Overall, it remains a nice antique reading copy, ready for a new home.

Support a Worthy Cause

By purchasing this item, you’re supporting Father Joe’s Villages’ mission to prevent and end homelessness in San Diego.

Author: Madeline Leslie (Aunt Hattie)
Publisher: Belford, Clarke and Co.
Year: 1885
Condition: Pre-owned, good for a 140-year-old book, mostly tight spine, mostly clean pages, inside cover edge paper separated from staples, back cover/spine loose from staples, rubbing on covers and spine, some smudges, bumps to corners, small tears at base of spine, dark tanning on page edges, overall a nice antique reading copy
Compare To: $36.12 (eBay, average sale price over three years, plus sales tax, including shipping)