New York: John McLoughlin, C 1850. First edition. Undated but before the McLoughlin Brothers imprint (see below). An acceptable only copy. Crudely sewn binding with paper covers (not unusual for these early McLoughlins, we have seen several examples similarly stitched). The yellow front cover is chipped to the edge, and has a large chip with loss to the open edge (just up to the edge of the woodcut). The binding is pulling away from the sewing to the bottom edge. The rear paper cover is missing entirely. Inside, there are 8 pages of hand coloured woodcut images with text beneath. (complete). These pages are in good condition, with just a little darkening. The hand colouring is crudely done. 18.5cm x 11.5cm. John McLoughlin was a Scottish-born coach maker who became a prominent figure in the New York publishing industry during the 19th century. He began in 1819 after moving to New York and initially worked for the Sterling Iron Company, where he developed an interest in printing. By 1828, he had established his own printing business on Tryon Row in Manhattan, focusing on publishing semi-religious tracts for children under the title McLoughlin's Books for Children. In 1840, McLoughlin partnered with wood engraver Robert H. Elton to form Elton & Co., which specialised in toy books, comic almanacs, and valentines. His son, John McLoughlin Jr., eventually took over in 1850 when both senior partners retired. Under John Jr.'s leadership, the company became known as McLoughlin Brothers and pioneered the use of colour printing technologies, including chromolithography, for children's books. This innovation made their publications visually striking and widely popular. The McLoughlin Brothers expanded their offerings to include games, puzzles, paper dolls, and other children's products. By 1870, they had opened the largest colour printing factory in the United States. Their works often featured adaptations of British stories by illustrators such as Randolph Caldecott and Kate Greenaway. The company thrived until it was sold to Milton Bradley in 1920. Despite this transition, the McLoughlin imprint continued to produce children's books into the early 20th century.