The Little Larrikin 1896 Ethel Turner 1st Ed HC Ward Lock Australia Fiction

Key Details:

• Title: The Little Larrikin

• Author: Ethel Turner

• Illustrator: A.J. Johnson

• Publisher: Ward, Lock & Co. Limited, London / New York / Melbourne

• Year of Publication: 1896

• Edition: First Edition

• Format: Hardcover (original burgundy cloth with gilt titles)

• Pages: 144

• Language: English

• Genre: Australian Literature / Juvenile Fiction / Social Commentary

Mini Story or Hook:
From the beloved author of Seven Little Australians comes a story equally rich in charm and Australian spirit. The Little Larrikin captures the misadventures of young "Lol" as he navigates class, society, and expectations in late 19th-century Australia. With biting wit and warmth, Ethel Turner explores the heart of what it means to be a mischief-maker with a good heart—a true “larrikin.” A scarce first edition from one of Australia’s literary treasures.

Condition:
Condition: Good – see detailed notes below.

This is a rare and collectible 1896 first edition in its original binding:

• Burgundy cloth boards with decorative gilt lettering to front and spine

• Spine has been reglued and now holds quite tight

• Cover has some wear, marks, and edge rubbing consistent with age

• Endpapers tanned with a previous owner’s name ("Bruce Douglas") on the front free endpaper

• Binding is secure, pages complete with age toning and foxing (especially on prelims)

• No missing pages or structural faults; a solid and appealing copy of this 19th-century Australian classic

📌 Why we believe this is a first edition:
The book contains a dated dedication page (“Lindfield, Sydney, 1896”), and the publisher's list of other works by Turner matches her earliest publications. No later titles or reprint indicators are present. The original burgundy cloth binding and gilt decoration match other confirmed first edition copies.

📸 The photos form part of the description – please examine them closely.

Postage & Handling:
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