Wind In The Willows by Grahame, Kenneth - 1908

The First UK printing published by Methuen and Co., London in 1908. The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition. Publisher's original green cloth, pictorial design of 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn', blocked in gilt on the front cover, and 'Mr. Toad in the willows' blocked in gilt on the spine. The gilt decoration has remained very bright. Top edge gilt with others uncut. Some very light wear to the extremities of the binding, with a little pushing at the extreme spine tips. A few light markings to the covers and only very light rubbing to the folds. The binding remains tight. A neat previous owner's name to the front upper blank end-paper. Some offsetting to the blank end-papers with some occasional spotting to the prelims and to the text. The tissue guarded frontis by Graham Robertson is present. The book has not undergone any repairs or restoration and presents as an excellent example. The book is protected in a loose Mylar archival cover and housed in a custom solander box with marbled inserts, silk ties and gilt titling. 'Originally written as bedtime stories and letters addressed to Grahame's only child, a sickly boy named Alastair and nicknamed 'Mouse', the book was rejected by Grahame's publisher The Bodley Head and eventually taken up by Methuen, albeit without advance payment, such was the firm's lack of confidence in the book' (ODNB). 'It was not until AA Milne adapted parts of the book into a popular stage version, 'Toad of Toad Hall', in 1929, that it became established as the children's classic it is known as today' (The Guardian). An excellent copy with such attributes. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.