Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A classic early 20th-century children's story anthology edited by 'Watty Piper' with illustrations by noted British artist Eulalie (Eulalie Minfred Banks). This Star Edition features a green cloth-embossed cover with a pastedown illustration plate of the Three Little Kittens.
Story
Published in New York in 1925, this anthology paired the pseudonym 'Watty Piper' with artist Eulalie Banks to create one of the era's most recognizable children's storybooks.
Maker / Origin
Platt & Munk was renowned for durable, brightly illustrated children's literature, frequently using the house pseudonym 'Watty Piper' (notably used by company head Arnold Munk). The artwork was crafted by Eulalie Minfred Banks, an English-born illustrator celebrated for her whimsical, soft-toned anthropomorphic animal drawings.
Condition & Value
Fair to poor condition. The outer cloth spine covering is completely missing with exposed backing and text block stitching. Front hinges and several early pages have tears repaired with aged, discolored cellophane tape. Cover shows fraying along corners and edges.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.