Little Lord Fauntleroy, Burnett, Frances Hodgson. Published by Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1887. Second Issue. Signed on small card to half-title: “Yours sincerely, Frances Hodgson Burnett, January, 1904.” 8vo up to 9½” tall., 209pp. illustrated throughout by Reginald Birch; rear illustrated publisher’s advertisements. Grey cloth boards with decorative front and spine in gilt, black and red, brown endpapers. Fading to signature card, former owner’s name to flyleaf; contents are otherwise in fine condition. Rubbing and bumping to corners and head and tail of spine; very light soiling to boards; binding remains tight and square.
Little Lord Fauntleroy was first published as a serial in St. Nicholas Magazine from November 1885 to October 1886 and published in book from in 1886. The beloved children’s novel made a huge impact on the 19th century public, shaping everything from boys’ clothing fashions to copyright law. The book was adapted into 3 films using the same title in the years 1921, 1936 and 1980.
The story’s protagonist, Cedric, and his mother, Dearest, live in America until Cedric learns that he is to inherit the title and estate of his paternal grandfather. The mother and son then move to England, where Cedric, as Lord Fauntleroy, charms his embittered grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt, and everyone else he meets with his open, egalitarian ways.
