An exceptional set of the First Edition in two parts together with a third volume of copperplates comprising sixty-two full page engravings. Duodecimo's iv.261pp.(i) 247pp(i)62pp. All original matching full red roan bindings, tight and sound though chipped to head and tail. Signed to the first title page with the ownership signature of Henry Rutland. Mrs Trimmer, nee Sarah Kirby was born in Ipswich in 1741 her father was an artist & engraver specialising in architectural drawings and a close friend of Hogarth, Reynolds and Gainsborough. The family moved to London in 1775 were Sarah was introduced to Dr Johnson. In 1762 she married James Trimmer of Brentford,by whom she had six daughters and six sons.She took a strong interest in education and was influenced by Robert Raikes experiments with Sunday Schools and caused them to be started at Brentford where she spent the rest of her life. Her "series of prints" was probably inspired by Mrs Barbauld's "Lessons for children" Light foxing to the title pages but otherwise in remarkable condition for childrens books of this period.