Hurdy-Burr – A Macabre unrecorded nineteenth-century movable Volvelle book with changing faces 1889

Title: Hurdy-Burr
The title of the book in the old German script translates to Hurdy-Gurdy.

Description:
An exceptionally rare and unrecorded 1889 German children's book, Hurdy-Burr, notable for its darkly humorous and vividly colored illustrations. The book appears to have been issued without a title page, and no publisher is indicated, making it a highly unusual and intriguing find. It is marked as 'No. 641' on the cover. The date "20th of August 1879" is handwritten in old script at the top right of the cover.

The cover depicts a gruesome scene involving chopped-off heads, a theme carried through the interior illustrations, which are equally vivid and macabre. Each of the six illustrations features a volvelle, allowing the faces of the characters to be rotated and changed. This interactive element enhances the grotesque or humorous nature of the scenes, depending on the combinations chosen. Such illustrations were not uncommon in children’s literature of the period, often serving to impart moral lessons or warnings, though by modern standards, they may appear graphic.

Binding and Condition:
The book is bound in stapled pictorial boards, with the pages still securely attached by the original staples, typical of the binding methods of the time. The book remains in solid condition, with light wear consistent with its age. All movables are fully functional and complete, with no missing or repaired parts, retaining its original state.

Illustrator:
The illustrator remains unidentified. The style on the cover and interior illustrations bears a resemblance to the work of George Cruikshank, known for his dark humor and detailed line work. However, given the 1889 publication date, which is after Cruikshank's death in 1878, it is more likely that this book was illustrated by an artist influenced by his style rather than by Cruikshank himself.