Achilles the Donkey; [together with] Achilles and Diana; [and with] Achilles and the Twins [All Signed]

London: Dennis Dobson [through 1964], 1962. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. Illustrated in color throughout by Carol Barker. First Impressions of the second and third works, Second Impression of Achilles the Donkey (first published 1962), all three volumes signed by Bates on half-title or title pages; two dated 1969. Royal 8vo (285 x 216mm): unpaginated, with full-color illustrations on almost every page. Publisher's pictorial boards, titles to spines in black, illustrated end papers and title pages; wraparound illustrated dust jackets identical to covers, all priced 18s. Exceptionally fresh copies, a virtually pristine, superlative set. Eads A 93a, 96a, and 101a. Unusually, the artwork for the installment in this trilogy of children's picture books came first. Barker painted the pictures after a visit to Greece, and Bates agreed to write the text to accompany them. For the second and third books in the series, the collaboration was more orthodox, with Bates writing the story, which Barker then illustrated. A simple tale of a young donkey, named for his running abilities, who is separated from his mother and bought by a cruel fruit-vendor. He escapes ill-treatment with the help of a pelican named Popo. The story was adapted for the television series "Jackanory" and aired in September 1970. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).