Beautiful Victorian Children's Books Found at the Internet Archive

I was just reminded again on some of the hidden treasures of the Internet Archive. For a few years now, I've been enjoying some blues that have become public domain. And aside from seeing what Apple looked like in 1996, that's pretty much it.

Of course, imagine my surprise when I discovered that the Internet Archive also has a fine collection of public domain children's books complete with colourful jaw-dropping picturebook glory. The picture above is from a book written by Thomas Crane in 1882. Here's is an excerpt:

Then to the Hotel on the quay they all went;
To remain till the morrow they all were content:
After so much fatigue Father thought it was best,
For the children were weary and needed the rest.

Abroad — A Childrens Story

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are over 2,000 books in this collection.

This children's library will offer you hours of amusement. If not for younger kin with old-fashioned tastes, then for that whimsical side of yourself that still takes pleasure in childish things.