Chicago: [self published], 1889. First edition. One of 250 copies printed for subscribers, this number 139. Signed by the printer, John Wilson & Son before the list of subscribers. Exquisitely bound by Ringer Bindery (Chicago) in full crushed blue morocco, marbled end papers, top edge gilt. Ruled in gilt with raised bands, gilt titles to spine and decorations in the spine compartments. The author has written out the final stanza of "Buttercup, Poppy, Forget-Me-Not" on the front black, decorated in red and gold ink and signed by Eugene Field.

The second book published by the author, and a major factor in Eugene Field's rise to literary celebrity. Though he'd been known in the Midwest as a journalist and editor, A Little Book of Western Verse drew attention to his skill and wit as a lyricist. Most of his poems were about childhood and children -- with inspiration coming directly from his own. Works such as Little Boy Blue and Wynken, Blynken, and Nod, which were written for their amusement, resulted in his being known as "The Poet of Childhood" (Denver Library). Fine (Item #5231)