Children's Rights and The Republic of Childhood Vols. I-III (Four matching volumes all inscribed by Wiggin to her husband)
Boston: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1893, 1896.
A set of four matching volumes on child-rearing and education. Signed by Kate Douglas Wiggin on the front free endpaper of each volume, inscribed to her second husband, George Christopher Riggs, beginning in 1894 before their marriage on March 30, 1895. The three volumes of The Republic of Childhood are all first editions. Four small octavo volumes bound in uniform half crushed terra cotta morocco, spines lettered in gilt, top edges gilt. Near Fine with front hinge a little over-opened. Includes:
1. Children's Rights: A Book of Nursery Logic. Boston & New York: [Riverside Press for] Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1893. Fifth thousand. Inscribed on ffep, "George, From Kate, 1894."
2. Froebel's Gifts (The Republic of Childhood Vol. I). Boston & New York: [The Riverside Press for] Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1896. First edition. Inscribed on ffep, "To my husband on Christmas Day 1895, Kate Douglas Wiggin."
3. Froebel's Occupations (The Republic of Childhood Vol. II). Boston & New York: [Riverside Press for] Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1896. First edition. Inscribed on ffep, "G.C.R. From K.D.W., Christmas 1896."
4. Kindergarten Principles and Practice (The Republic of Childhood Vol. III). Boston & New York: [Riverside Press for] Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1896. First edition. Inscribed on ffep, "G.C.R. From K.D.W. Christmas 1896."
A beautifully-bound set from the children's author and educator with very personal inscriptions to her second husband, an enthusiastic supporter of her work. With these volumes she promoted the kindergarten movement in America.
Price: $5,000