The earliest published paper doll set for children, The History of Little Fanny Exemplified in a Series of Figures includes the storybook describing seven vignettes from Fanny’s life along with Fanny and her seven costumes. Attributed to author Amelia Troward Girdlestone, Fanny is a wealthy girl, “play’s her passion, idleness her joy”, who experiences suffering and hard work before being reunited with her family. In her reformed character Fanny is “modestly dressed in a coloured frock, with a book in her hand.”

Includes seven hand coloured costumes, each with a pocket built into the reverse to accommodate Fanny's head, the head of Fanny, and one bonnet present all in very good condition. Missing two chapeaus and a basket of fish she balanced on her head. A cherished set, carefully preserved.

London: S. and J. Fuller, 1810. Booklet 15 pages. Sixth edition. Booklet is in its printed card slipcase that has been sweetly mended on its left side and bottom half.

Booklet in worn but very good condition, some spotting, small intact tears to title page, curled corners, original binding. Pencil inscription and a few marks to inside cover in a child’s hand, “Nath’l [N]eed Nott 1843.” Publisher's ads on outside lower wrapper, and back of slipcase. 13 x 11 cm x .5cm.