EASTER EGGS (From the German of Christoph Von Schmid )

London: George Bell & Sons. Very Good/No DJ. 1908. First Edition. Hard Cover. Sm 4to Illustrated boards. Illustrated end papers. Prize label on f. paste down. Colour frontis plate. Full page coloured plates, line drawings. 60 pages clean and tight. CHRISTOPH VON SCHMID, the author of this beautiful tale, was born at DinkelsbUhl, in Bavaria, on the 15th of August, 1768. He was destined for the ministry from his early youth, and on the completion of his theological studies occupied successive curacies at Nassenbeuren, near Mindelheim, and Seeg in the Algau. He was subsequently appointed Inspector of Schools at Thannhausen, on the Mindel. The post, a congenial one to his loving nature, brought him into close contact with children, and it was for their benefit that he produced the long series of " books for the young" which have made his name a household word in many lands. His first book, the " Biblical History for Children," was for many years a text-book in Germany, but his fame is mainly due to his stories, of which the following were amongst the most popular: " Christmas Eve," a story of the Black Forest; " The Canary - Bird," a tale of a French emigre family; "Genevieve de Brabant," a version of the old legend which has inspired many painters and musicians; "The Basket of Flowers," a special favourite in English-speaking countries; " Rosa von Tannenburg," "The Wooden Cross," " Henry of Eichenfels," and " Hop Blossoms." After twenty years of zealous activity at Thannhausen he was promoted to the parish of Stadion, near Ulm, in Wurttemberg, and in 1827 was recalled to Bavaria by King Louis I, who presented him with a stall in the Cathedral of Augsburg. He died at Augsburg on the 3rd of September, 1854. His popularity has long survived him. Edition has followed edition throughout every State in Germany; and in foreign countries, not only have all the tales been translated, but three, and sometimes four, rival translations of the same tale have appeared simultaneously. It is hoped that the present illustrated reprint-slightly curtailed-of his favourite work will lead many youthful readers to become furthcacquainted with the fascinating tales of this charming writer. .