12mo. 252pp. With an engraved frontispiece and two final leaves of publisher's advertisements. Original publisher's red roan-backed marbled boards, ruled and lettered and gilt. Rubbed, some surface loss to upper board. Offsetting to title.

The second published work of minor children's author 'Arabella Argus', a charming narrative presented from the perspective of a donkey, passed from owner to owner, some wicked, others caring, that makes an impassioned plea for kindness towards animals. Notwithstanding the author's favourable contemporary reviews, it is surprising that her books did not sell well; the present title, first published in 1815, had to wait eight years for this second printing and was only reprinted for Darton five times up to 1860.