Author: S. Baring-Gould. Illustrated by F.D. Bedford.
Title: The Crock of Gold.
Publisher: London, Methuen & Co., no date (1900). First thus.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 8 X 5.5 inches.
Pages: 252 pages.
Binding: Attractive and near fine handsome original publisher’s red cloth binding, richly adorned with an elaborate gilt-stamped design on the front cover, depicting two young maidens peering into an ornate vessel. The spine is beautifully decorated with gilt lettering and an intricate illustration of a dragon (hinges fine) under a protective removable mylar cover. Upper edge gilt.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing mainly on the outer edges - as shown).
Illustrations: Wonderfully illustrated throughout with eight full-page black-and-white illustrations by F.D. Bedford, capturing the enchanting atmosphere of the tales. The artwork is finely detailed, adding a magical visual element to the book’s fairy-tale narrative.

The book: A delightful collection of fairy tales and legends by the prolific English writer S. Baring-Gould. "The Crock of Gold" blends folklore, myth, and adventure, creating a mesmerizing world of knights, princesses, and magical encounters. This edition is particularly notable for its stunning period illustrations by F.D. Bedford, whose artistry enhances the immersive storytelling.

The author: Sabine Baring-Gould (1834–1924) was a renowned English hagiographer, antiquarian, and novelist. He is best remembered for his works on folklore and mythology, as well as for composing the hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers." His keen interest in legends and supernatural tales is reflected in this collection, which showcases his talent for weaving timeless stories filled with mystery and wonder.

The illustrator: Francis Donkin Bedford (1864–1954) was an esteemed British illustrator known for his elegant and detailed line drawings. His illustrations for "The Crock of Gold" bring the stories to life, blending realism with a whimsical fairy-tale quality that perfectly complements Baring-Gould’s narrative. Bedford's work remains highly regarded among collectors of illustrated books.