Cole’s Funny Picture Book No. 1

The Best Child’s Picture Book in the World.  It contains also Choice Riddles, Games and pieces of reading for Adults

Written and Compiled by E. W. Cole

(original copy)

E. W. Cole, c1920s, [62^nd Edition], illustrated title page, black and white engravings, line drawings and illustrations throughout, hardcover with red cloth binding and illustrated boards

Fair Condition, edge and shelf wear, rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, complete with some loose pages, tears to spine, reinforced end papers (see photographs)

“Every sight-seer in the city of Melbourne should visit Cole’s Book Arcade.  It is entirely an Australian institution, being the first of its kind opened anywhere, and at the present time unequalled in any city of the world.  It is 3 stories high, 600 feet deep, and an average width of 45 feet, with frontages to Bourke and Collins Sts., the two main arteries of Melbourne. It’s public walks are half a mile long, its galleries are supported on brass pillars, while hundreds of rainbows (the trademark) decorate the interior and exterior of the establishment.  There are 100 mirrors tastefully placed throughout the building.  The present Arcade was opened on Cup Day, 1883, and has been visited every day (except Sundays), year in, year out by an average of 5000 people. 
There are several miles of shelving and 3000 cedar drawers.”