ABC: An Alphabet: Written and Pictured by Mrs. Arthur Gaskin

by George Gaskin

A facsimile of the classic Victorian children’s ABC primer, originally published in 1895 This classic Victorian children’s ABC primer was originally published in London and Chicago in 1895. It was the first book by the Arts and Crafts artist and designer Georgie Gaskin (1866–1934), celebrated for the jewelry she produced with her husband Arthur. Exquisite woodcut illustrations and rhymes by Gaskin accompany each letter of the alphabet and combine to create a volume that charms and delights both children and adults. It soon became a favorite and was published in several editions from the late 1890s, including a hand-painted deluxe version printed on vellum of only a handful of copies. This new facsimile is the first to reproduce the original clothbound edition of 1895. It is bound with a silkscreened cloth cover and printed on high-quality paper to create a collectible object that recipients will treasure long into adulthood. It is the first volume in a series of special facsimiles of historic illustrated children’s titles selected and produced by Art / Books.

64 pages, Hardcover

Published April 24, 2018

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grade Level: Kindergarten and First

Summary: This a a little book that goes through each letter in the alphabet. Throughout the book so of the rhymes are forced and wording is complex.

Review: I feel as though because this book was written in 1895 the terminology is a little off; however, I enjoy the illustrations. Overall, the book is fun to read and go through. I just feel as though it is not great for young audiences today.

In a classroom, especially in Kindergarten, I would read the book a loud and then have my students come up the rhymes for each letter of the alphabet as well.
Another activity would be to come up with a play involving all the letters of the alphabet as a class. Making connections with each letter and a word that starts with the same letter.