The Children of the Castle (1895) By Mrs Molesworth – Walter Crane Illustrated
 
Features
Illustrated by Walter Crane, a leading figure of the Arts & Crafts movement
Includes frontispiece with original tissue guard
Illustrated title page
Six full-page plates, all present and correct
Original decorative blue publisher’s cloth with gilt and stamped design
Publisher’s catalogue at rear
A classic late-Victorian children’s novel
 
Bibliographic Details
Title: The Children of the Castle
Author: Mrs Molesworth
Illustrator: Walter Crane
Publisher: Macmillan & Co.
Place: London
Address: Bedford Street
Year: 1895
Edition: Reprint
Printer: R. & R. Clark, Edinburgh
Format: Hardback, illustrated
Pagination: ix, 196 pp. + 4 pp. publisher’s catalogue
Illustrations: Frontispiece, illustrated title page, plates facing pp. 23, 60, 81, 125, 148, 172
Dimensions: c. 17 × 12.6 × 2.2 cm
Weight: c. 356 g
 
Exterior Condition
Bound in the publisher’s original blue decorative cloth, with ornate floral design and gilt lettering to the front board, blue lettering to the spine, and a dark blue Macmillan emblem to the rear board.
 
The binding is intact and robust, showing age-consistent wear including:
Bumping and small rips at the corners
Rips at the head and tail of the spine
Discolouration to the spine cloth
Light marks and staining
Minor creasing to the cloth on the front board
 
Overall, a solid and attractive Victorian binding.
 
Interior Condition
Pages show light age-toning, with some edges roughly cut, typical of period production. The text and illustrations remain clear and unaffected.
 
Notable points:
Ex libris plate to the front free endpaper, with later black pen scribble obscuring a previous inscription
Black pen over a former inscription on the front pastedown
Earlier ownership inscription partially legible:
“Judith Hooper, 39 Digby Avenue, Mapperley, Nottingham”
Remnants of pencil on the front pastedown and free endpaper
Occasional very small edge rips to inner and outer margins, not affecting text or plates
A handful of light gutter cracks, though all pages remain secure
 
All illustrations are present, including the tissue-guarded frontispiece.
 
About the Book
The Children of the Castle is a much-loved Victorian children’s novel combining domestic realism with gentle moral instruction. Mrs Molesworth was one of the most influential writers for children in the late 19th century, admired for her sensitive portrayal of childhood and family life.
 
This edition is particularly desirable for its Walter Crane illustrations, which elevate the book beyond a simple juvenile novel into a visually rich object reflecting the aesthetics of the Arts & Crafts movement.
 
About the Author
Mrs Molesworth (Mary Louisa Stewart, 1839–1921) was among the most respected Victorian writers of children’s fiction, often compared to E. Nesbit and George MacDonald for her emotional intelligence and realism.
 
Rarity & Market Context
While The Children of the Castle is not rare in title, illustrated Victorian Macmillan editions featuring Walter Crane are increasingly sought after, especially in original decorative cloth with all plates present.
 
Later reprints remain collectible when complete and well illustrated, particularly for:
Walter Crane collectors
Victorian children’s literature collections
Arts & Crafts–influenced book design
 
Condition, completeness, and illustration presence are the primary value drivers.
 
Collector Notes
All plates present, including tissue-guarded frontispiece
Period ownership inscriptions add social-history interest
Attractive example of late-Victorian illustrated children’s literature
Ideal for collectors of Walter Crane, Victorian childhood, or Macmillan illustrated books