E.H. SHEPARD'S COPY
The Wind in the Willows
Methuen, 1931.
First edition illustrated by Shepard. Deluxe issue, one of only 200 copies, printed on handmade paper and signed by both Kenneth Grahame and E.H. Shepard. This copy unnumbered and with presentation inscription from the publisher to the book's artist, "This is a presentation copy for Ernest Shepard Esq." 8vo. Green cloth spine and paper covered boards with printed labels, in printed dustwrapper. Illustrated throughout by Shepard and with fold out map of Toad Hall and its vicinity to the rear. A fine book with many pages unopened. The dustwrapper is in very good condition indeed, complete and crisp, with a little tanning.
Having recently finished a series of drawings for A.A. Milne's 'Winnie the Pooh' books Methuen suggested that Ernest Shepard should turn his hand to illustrating Grahame's tale of the riverbank. A meeting took place between author and artist, during which Shepard visited the Thames riverside which Grahame knew so well. "I love these little people," advised Grahame, "be kind to them."
Shepard's drawings seem somehow to bring the story to life whilst making the mixture of anthropomorphism and the real life animal traits of the books characters seem perfectly natural. Grahame was delighted with the drawings and generations of adults and children alike remain enchanted by the tale and simple, but effective line drawings of Mr Shepard.
PROVENANCE: Ernest H. Shepard's copy, bearing a presentation inscription from the publisher.
Stock ID: 39591
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