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Floating Island by Anne Parrish

$58.00

The Floating Island by Anne Parrish is a classic literary novel that explores themes of imagination, introspection, and personal discovery. Known for Parrish’s thoughtful and expressive writing style, this work blends literary fiction with subtle elements of fantasy and reflection, offering readers a contemplative journey into human emotion and perception.

This vintage edition is ideal for readers and collectors seeking classic literature, Anne Parrish books, and character-driven novels. It appeals to those interested in early 20th-century fiction, introspective storytelling, and timeless literary works that examine identity and inner life.

A strong addition to home libraries, vintage book collections, or decorative bookshelf displays, this book also makes a meaningful gift for lovers of classic novels, antique books, and collectible literature.

Keywords: The Floating Island, Anne Parrish, classic literature, literary fiction, vintage books, antique books, collectible books, introspective novels, early 20th century fiction, classic novels, character driven stories, timeless literature, bookshelf decor, vintage bookstore finds

Condition note: vintage book / poor

The Floating Island by Anne Parrish is a classic literary novel that explores themes of imagination, introspection, and personal discovery. Known for Parrish’s thoughtful and expressive writing style, this work blends literary fiction with subtle elements of fantasy and reflection, offering readers a contemplative journey into human emotion and perception.

This vintage edition is ideal for readers and collectors seeking classic literature, Anne Parrish books, and character-driven novels. It appeals to those interested in early 20th-century fiction, introspective storytelling, and timeless literary works that examine identity and inner life.

A strong addition to home libraries, vintage book collections, or decorative bookshelf displays, this book also makes a meaningful gift for lovers of classic novels, antique books, and collectible literature.

Keywords: The Floating Island, Anne Parrish, classic literature, literary fiction, vintage books, antique books, collectible books, introspective novels, early 20th century fiction, classic novels, character driven stories, timeless literature, bookshelf decor, vintage bookstore finds

Condition note: vintage book / poor

Copyright Details

  • Copyright © 1930 by Anne Parrish Co.

  • Printed in the United States of America

  • Sixth Edition marking indicates the book sold well, prompting multiple reprint batches in the early 1930s.

This is not a first edition, but it is an early 1930s reprint.

📘 Book History

Anne Parrish (1888–1957) was a noted American author and illustrator of children’s books. Floating Island became one of her most beloved titles—an imaginative tale about a family of dolls who are swept away from their dollhouse and land on a strange island full of whimsical creatures.

The book is known for:

  • Parrish’s distinctive illustrations,

  • The handwritten-style text interspersed with drawings,

  • A blend of fantasy and gentle adventure.

The story was innovative in its time for its visual layout and tone, and it remains a collectible work of 1930s children’s literature.

📚 Description of Contents

This edition includes:

  • Full text of the story in chapters

  • Illustrations on nearly every page, many handwritten or sketch-like

  • Full-page plates (e.g., the “Waterfall” scene)

  • Decorative chapter openers

  • Illustrated endpapers or early pages with whimsical ocean creatures, crabs, starfish, boats, butterflies, and dolls

  • A narrative following Mr. and Mrs. Doll, William Doll, Annabel Doll, Baby Doll, Dinah the Cook, Lobby, Chicky, Finny, Pudding, and others as they travel to the “Floating Island”

This book is prized for its artwork as much as for its storytelling.

📦 Physical Condition

Covers

  • Green cloth boards

  • Bold black pictorial stamping

  • Moderate rubbing and small scuffs

  • Some light fading or discoloration on edges

  • Spine appears intact

Interior

  • Aging/toning to paper (common for 1930s Harper titles)

  • Some minor foxing

  • Ink inscription on the chapter page:
    “Genius Book Bindery, Madison, Wis. July 23, 1938 – $2.00”

  • Illustrations remain clear and engaging

  • Binding seems secure, no major tears visible

Overall condition: Good for age
Inscription reduces value slightly for strict collectors, but illustrations remain strong.

⭐ Special Features

  • Anne Parrish’s own illustrations, including full-page plates

  • Decorative, whimsical illustrated opening pages

  • Early sixth edition (same year as first publication)

  • Attractive pictorial cloth binding