Quite scarce, with no other examples on the market at the time of cataloguing. And, additionally, tucked neatly inside this volume was an exceptionally rare prospectus for the new series of Good Words for the Young to begin in 1872 with George MacDonald for the Editor and introducing Arthur Hughes as the primary Illustrator. A pristine little broadsheet style prospectus. We trace no other examples. 

A wonderful assemblage of whimsical and meaningful writings curated by MacDonald himself!

Contents include: A Night in an African Tree by Lieutenant-Colonel Drayson; Vicissitudes in the Life of an Ass by E. Helps; Buttercups and Daisies by Emily Coulden; Lessons in Composition by Matthew Browne; On Being Exact by Matthew Browne; Three Ancient British Fables; Fire in the Woods by Norman Macleod; Ghosts, Dreams, &c. by Norman Macleod; A Night with Glassblowers by Richard Rowe; Gutta Percha Willie [Series, by George MacDonald]; Hoity Toity Muckmammon's Rents by Charles Camden; Hoity Toity in Prison by Charles Camden; Little Strawberry-Blossom by Beata Francis; The Magic Rose by Ella Donaldson; The Middle Ages by Jean Ingelow; The Musical World among Cats by H. L. S. A Pack of Silly Birds by Beata Francis; The Snow-Fight by George MacDonald; The Last of the Tasmanian Blackfellows b Edward Howe; The Travelling Menagerie by Charles Camden [series]; The Foolish Harebell by George MacDonald; The Wind and the Moon by George MacDonald; etc., 

Mac Donald, George [ed.]. Arthur Hughes, J. Mahoney, J. B. Zwecker, F. A. Fraser, and Townley Green [Ills.]. Good Words for the Young for 1872 [March through December]. London. Strahan & Co. 1872. pp.97-572

Binding fair [at best], over-bound at some point early in its life retaining original binding underneath. Sound, stable, but not attractive. Contents sound with moderate scattered foxing as shown. The broadside pristine.