CURTIS, Elizabeth "The Indian Fairy Book" [Frederick A. Stokes, 1916]

CURTIS, Elizabeth. The Indian Fairy Book.

New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1916. 8.25" x 5.75", 303pp with eight full-page color illustrations by Florence Choate. Publisher’s pictorial cloth, gilt-lettered and stamped in dark blue and orange on the upper board with a central image of figures riding an eagle; spine gilt with matching vignette and publisher’s imprint at foot. Binding shows moderate edge wear with rubbing to corners and spine ends; cloth slightly darkened along joints. Gilt remains bright and legible. Text block clean and evenly toned; plates complete and well preserved, with strong color. Inner hinges sound. Owner's name written twice in red pencil. Very Good.

This collection presents retellings of Native American legends for a younger audience, reflecting early twentieth-century interest in folklore and myth as educational literature. Florence Choate’s color plates are a highlight, combining Art Nouveau–influenced composition with bold, flat color fields typical of Stokes productions of the period. The book is representative of the publisher’s best illustrated gift books and remains one of the more visually appealing single-volume fairy books of its era.