Fairburn's cabinet of instruction and amusement: containing the histories of Soloman Serious and his dog Pompey: Master and Miss Gracemore: Master Peter Primrose: Master Bentley: Amanda, or Virtue rewarded: The life of Mr. Thomas Thoroughgood: Helim, an Eastern tale: The basket maker: and The hermit: embellished with coloured engravings

About this book

Children’s moral tales and entertainments fill this illustrated collection, which uses hardship and choice to teach lessons in conduct. As Solomon Serious’s mother nears death, she consoles him and urges him to hold to virtue even if he remains poor. In a fanciful South Sea setting, a wealthy landowner’s desire for more room for his pleasures conflicts with a basket-maker’s need to earn his living from the reeds. Amanda’s employer, after reading a letter meant for her, feels shame at the distress he has caused and tries to make amends.