Complete With The Vibrant Poster

Darton, F. J. Harvey; Rutherston, Albert ~ The Good Fairy; or, the Adventures of Sir Richard Whittington R. Crusoe, Esquire, Master Jack Horner, and others. A Play, by F. J. Harvey Darton, with a particular description of a Theatre contrived by Albert Rutherston; and which is contained herewith : Complete With The Vibrant Poster

Wells Gardner, Darton & Co., Ltd., London: 1922

The Sole UK Printing published by Wells Gardner, Darton & Co., Ltd., London in 1922. Tall thin 8vo., card wraps with integrated red wrapper, printed in black with vignette and decorative borders to covers; outer edges untrimmed; together with the vibrant printed poster (folded as issued, extending to 25" x 40"); The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition ; a little creased and pushed at edges, small dark mark to the foot of spine; some light scattered foxing, mostly affecting the outer edge and prelims; Ex Libris plate of T. V. Scudamore to the front blank end-paper ; The POSTER is in excellent condition, clean, bright and unmarked, just a couple of nicks and creases at edges. Both the book and poster are protected in removable Mylar covers. First UK edition, with the errata slip present to title, as called for. A wonderful copy of this scarce play, complete with the fantastic original poster, published by the Curwen Press, entitled 'By Underground for Pleasure, whether for Country Joys or Stage Fancies'. Designed as a London Transport poster, the idea was originally conceived of by C. Lovat Fraser, who passed away in 1921, and commissioned by the London Transport publicity officer Frank Pick, to encourage the use of trains outside peak hours in a bid to increase passenger numbers. Packed full of heroes and heroines, stage backdrops, and fairytale characters as diverse as Cinderella, Mother Hubbard, Jack Horner, Little Red Riding Hood and Robinson Crusoe, it was published together with the play, describing how the characters are able to defeat Demon Delay and reach the theatre in time for the pantomime. With the idea being to cut out the characters and backdrops in order for children to make their very own 'Toy Theatre', the poster came with the play ready to be performed in the makeshift setting. To therefore find one not only intact, but in such exceptional condition, is very scarce indeed.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Very Good ++
POSTER: Near Fine