All the Year Round - by James Whitcomb Riley - Woodcuts in Color by Gustave Baumann

Gustave Baumann

A book of poems by noted Indiana dialect writer and "Hoosier poet" James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916), illustrated by Baumann in color woodcut. The blocks, which include hand carved text, were electroplated for printing by Bobbs-Merrill Co., Indianapolis, IN, who published the book.

Illustrations include a full color image for each month of the year, accompanied by their respective poems in black lettering with ocher decor, featuring its corresponding zodiac symbol carved by Baumann above the text. The poems pertain to life in rural Indiana and refer to places and people of Riley's childhood.

The book is a thin 4to from the earliest edition, with deep blue and cream linen binding, gilt-stamped titling and a decorative embossing on the cover. There is the usual wear to the cover and spine, with bumping to the corners. Additional waterstaining to the cover rector in bottom third. The illustration inks are strong and vivid. The binding is still secure if a little loose, and there is some sporadic foxing throughout as well as acidity to some pages. Price reflects condition.