THE LAST OF THE GIANT KILLERS OR THE EXPLOITS OF SIR JACK OF DANBY DALE by Rev. J. C. Atkinson, D.C.L. London and New York: Macmillan and Co., 1891. Octavo, pp. [1-2] [i-v] vi-viii [ix-x] [1] 2-244 + 44-page publisher's catalogue dated "September, 1891" on page 1, original green cloth, front panel stamped in gold and blind, spine panel stamped in gold, rear panel stamped in blind. First edition. A collection of local folktales and legends written for young readers by John Christopher Atkinson (1814–1900), a rural Yorkshire priest and antiquary. Includes an interesting preface, pp. [v]-viii, on the historical background for the tales. "Atkinson was an ideal antiquary, endowed with a love of nature as well as a taste for study. His parish was in the rudest part of Yorkshire, and on his arrival he found that clerical duties had been almost neglected. He set himself to learn the history of his parish cure and to gain the friendship of his parishioners, and in both objects he succeeded. By constant intercourse with the people he acquired a unique knowledge of local legends and customs. ... By far his best known work ... was the charming collection of local legends and traditions which he published in 1891, with the title 'Forty Years in a Moorland Parish.' This work ... has been compared to Gilbert White's 'Natural History of Selborne,' and perhaps still more closely resembles Hugh Miller's 'Scenes and Legends of the North of Scotland.' Besides these more serious compilations Atkinson was the author of several delightful books for children" (DNB). Spine ends and corner tips lightly worn, some rubbing along outer joints, spine panel darkened, mild spotting to cloth, small tape ghosts on free endpapers, a very good copy overall. (#169447).
Price: $100.00
No statement of printing.