American painter and illustrator (1842–1924) best known for his images of animal subjects. Signed book: The Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1884. Hardcover, 7.5 x 10.25, 150 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page “Miss Sadie Doyle, from F. Church, N.Y. March 30, 1912,” with Church adding an adorable pencil and ink sketch of a cherub sitting and reading a copy of the book to an attentive raccoon. Autographic condition: very good, with a mild diagonal crease, tape reinforcement to left edge, a couple brushes to signature, and some mild toning and soiling. Book condition: VG-/None. Red cloth-covered boards with large gilt decoration and titles, and gilted upper textblock edge; edges worn, with small tears in cloth at corners and spine-ends; thin scratch to front cover and few scuffs to rear; lightly soiled; spine slightly darkened; front hinge reinforced with white paper tape; small (approx. ½ inch) split in rear hinge; slightly yellowed, with few very light spots of foxing. RRAuction COA.
