The A Apple Pie, or A Was an Apple Pie, nursery rhyme was a very popular method for teaching the alphabet to young children in the 19th century. The method dates as far back as to the middle of the 17th century during the reign of Charles II. It should be noted there is no "I" in the nursery rhyme because at that time, the letter "I" and "J" were not differentiated in the English alphabet.

First published in 1886, this edition is derived from the original book with 22 color illustrations by Kate Greenaway. As always, this edition is complete and unabridged.