Special Signed Edition : One of 170 copies

De La Mare, Walter & Nash, John [Illus.] ~ Seven Short Stories : Special Edition – Signed by the Author and Artist

Faber and Faber Limited, London : 1931

The First UK printing published by Faber and Faber Limited, London in 1931. The special Limited edition, printed on Italian handmade paper. One of 170 numbered copies (of which only 150 were for sale), signed by both the author and the artist to the limitation page. This is copy 'no. 54'. 8vo., bound in full vellum with decorative device in gilt to upper board; spine ruled and lettered in gilt; upper edge gilt, else untrimmed; together in the original publisher's card slipcase; with title vignette and a further 8 full-page, full-colour illustrations by John Nash, as well as a final chapter vignette in black and white to p. [196]; The BOOK near Fine, being clean and bright internally with some very faint mottling to the end-papers ; the original publisher's plain cardslipcase has done a wonderful job of protecting the book, and is a little scuffed, split and discoloured, but holding firm. A collection of tales from 'The Connoisseur', 'Broomsticks' and 'The Riddle' which include 'Miss Duveen' (about a child who befriends a troubled soul), 'The Bird of Travel' (concerning a large house in the woods), 'The Tree' (about a rich fruit merchant), 'The Nap' (a comic tale about a father desperate for peace and quiet), 'Missing' (about secrets and a meeting with a stranger in a tea shop), 'The Wharf' (a young woman's dream of death) and 'Maria-Fly' (about a little girl's fascination by the little insect). The diverse stories are all wonderfully illuminated by the colourful illustrations by John Nash, founding member of the Society of Wood Engravers. A handsome production. Scarce, especially so in the slipcase.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Near Fine