Mary Poppins

London: Gerald Howe, 1934. First edition. Fine Binding. Very Good Indeed. 7.5" by 5". Mary Shepard. A stunning, very scarce first edition of P L Travers' famous children's novel, 'Mary Poppins'. Signed by the author, this is a beautifully bound copy of this beloved tale. 'Mary Poppins' first appeared in a short story in 1926 titled 'Mary Poppins and the Match Man' which introduced Poppins and Bert, the street artist. Travers then went on to create this children's book regarding her characters. It was Travers's first literary success. After this first novel, she continued writing many books in the series following Mary. A very scarce work, made even rarer by Travers' signature to the recto of front endpaper. The personal inscription from the author reads 'Ramona Herdman with love from Pamela Travers Christmas 1934'. Herdman was on the publicity staff of Harper Bros, and also worked in the Princeton University Library, specifically in the Children's Library, where many of P. L. Travers' papers are held.Rebound, in a stunning calf binding, which recreates the motif from the original cloth boards. A very bright binding, restored by Grace Bindings with their stamp to the rear pastedown. The original endpapers have been preserved, and the book is housed in a custom clamshell box. To the inside of the clamshell box the central section of the original cloth binding has been tipped in, showing the inspiration for this re-bind. Charmingly illustrated throughout, by Mary Shepard. Shepard is best known for her illustrations for the Mary Poppins stories. Her father, E H Shepard, is known for his illustrations for A A Milne's works, including 'Winnie the Pooh' and Kenneth Grahame's 'Wind in the Willows'. Travers wished to use Shepard for her books after discovering her work on a Christmas Card. This novel was adapted to a famous musical film of the same name in 1964 by Walt Disney. It was a huge success, receiving thirteen Academy Award nominations and won five. This was the only film by Walt Disney to be nominated for a Best Picture nomination during his lifetime. A fantastic copy of this very scarce and important work. In a full calf binding, housed in a custom clamshell case. Externally, excellent condition with just a few light marks to the rear board. Clamshell box is also in an excellent condition. Author's inscription to the recto of front endpaper, Ramona Heidman, With love from Pamela Travers, Christmas 1934. Small split in the gutter to the frontispiece from slight straining. Professional restoration to the title page, which has a damp stain. Damp stain to the dedication leaf also. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are slightly age toned to the edges, due to the paper type. Pages are clean. Slipcase is FINE. Very Good Indeed