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71 MILNE, A. A. When We Were Very Young. London: Methuen, 1924 Presentation copy from the author and christopher robin First edition, an extraordinary presentation copy, inscribed by the author to his wife Daphne on the front free endpaper, “To the girl we love from her two boys. Nov 2, 1924”. Her two boys are A. A. Milne himself and their son Christopher Robin Milne, the dedicatee of this work, and the model for the Christopher Robin hero of the Pooh books. When We Were Very Young was the first of the Pooh books, introducing the two iconic literary childhood figures of Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh. The only copy of comparable importance to this was the dedication copy, inscribed to Christopher: “Billy’s own book from his loving Blue. Nov: 1924” (sold at auction in December 2002 and realising £53,775). Both copies were almost certainly inscribed at the same time on 2 November 1924, preceding the book’s general publication by four days. Alan and Daphne first met in January 1913 while buying ski boots – coincidentally they were headed for the same slopes in Switzerland, Diablerets, and were both staying at the same hotel, the Grand. After a brief courtship, they announced their engagement that same month, and were married six months later.
Octavo. Original blue cloth, spine lettered in gilt, decorations on front cover in gilt. Illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard. Peripheral rubbing, light cockling to front pastedown, endpapers a little toned, still a near- fine, bright and clean copy. £57,500 [149885] 72 MILNE, A. A. Now We Are Six. London: Methuen, 1927 The scarcest Milne signed limited book First edition, signed extra-limited issue, one of 20 large paper copies printed on Japanese vellum and signed by both the author and illustrator. This is the most luxurious and exclusive issue of the various formats of the first editions of Milne’s Pooh books. For this title a further 200 large paper copies on regular paper were also issued signed, alongside the unsigned trade issue. Small quarto. Original vellum, front cover lettered in gilt, yapp edges. Housed in a blue cloth chemise within blue morocco-backed slipcase by James Macdonald. Numerous in-text and full-page monochrome illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard. A fine, fresh copy, without soiling or bowing. £27,500 [143856]
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All items are fully described and photographed at peterharrington.co.uk
CHILDREN’S BOOKS & ORIGINAL ARTWORK
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