SIGNED BY MILNE AND SHEPARD
When We Were Very Young
Methuen, 1924.
First edition, first issue with plain endpapers. Signed by both A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard to the title page. 8vo. Original blue cloth with gilt lettering and gilt vignettes to upper cover, top edge gilt. Pictorial endpapers. The collection of verses is illustrated throughout by E.H. Shepard. A near fine copy, with a small nick to the left side of the spine. Previous owner's bookplate on the front pastedown.
This book is the first in a series of four which introduces the characters of Pooh and Christopher Robin. The bear in the poem entitled "Teddy Bear" gives us the first glimpse of the bear who has gone on to become one of the most popular children's characters of all time. Christopher Robin appears in "Vespers", "Buckingham Palace" and various other places. At the time of publication the writers and publisher's had no idea of the huge success which awaited these characters, their initial print run was only 4500 copies, these sold out in the first week and since then all of Milne and Shepard's "Pooh" books have been reprinted in very many different formats. This luxurious look with gilt embossed vignettes and top edge gilded was only maintained for a few years.
PROVENANCE: Bookplate of collector, Marion C. Walker, to front pastedown.
Stock ID: 46524
£10,000.00
