SANDS, Benjamin. Metamorphosis; or, a Transformation of Pictures, with Poetical Explanations, for the Amusement of Young Persons. New York, Published by Samuel Wood No. 357 Pearl Street and Printed by Joseph Rakestraw, Philidelphia.1814. Title in printer’s ornament borders, with small vignette centrally, the back cover with a ship in full sail. Pp [8], illustrated with 10 woodcuts. Approx. 15cm x 10cm as a folded booklet, folding out to 37 cm x 29 cm. By Benjamin Sands [his name appears in an ornamental running border made up of the alphabet and numerals intended for use as a guide for sewing samplers]. Illustrations signed J.Poupard. The single sheet is folded to produce a four-panelled flap book. Each of the four leaves can be folded inwards at the top and bottom, to create four metamorphic pictures per leaf, one with flaps closed and three others when the flaps are variously opened. The panels have short poems on a moral theme, ending with a skeleton [“O Man! Now see that thou art dust;”]. First published in 1787. Published by Samuel Wood of New York, printed by Joseph Rakestraw of Philadelphia. This chapbook is rare in any condition, and because it is designed to be folded and unfolded in use is usually found in a frail state. This copy has been lightly restored- loose folding flaps have been reattached. There is some staining and toning, and the central fold has some minor loss which could be easily reinforced if required.