Hornbook Bestiary

Description

The figures depicted on this original design were derived from wood block engravings of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The format of the hornbook follows actual examples from the late 18th century. Hornbooks functioned as primers, used to teach young children their letters. Defined, very basically, by Dr. Johnson, hornbooks were “…the first book of children, covered with horn to keep it unsoiled.”

Executed entirely in tent, or cross stitch, the piece can be stitched over one or two threads of linen. The kit is supplied with enough material to finish it in tent stitch over one thread of linen.

The finished size, stitched on 35 count linen over one thread, will be approximately 12-1/2″ x 6-1/4″. Instructions are provided for stitching it over one and/or two threads of linen on other linen thread counts. The stitched dimensions are 215 x 431. The newest version was digitally charted and is in full color.