GREENE, Graham [Edward ARDIZZONE, Illus.] ~ The Little Horse Bus. Signed by the illustrator.

FIRST UK PRINTING. The Bodley Head, London: 1974.

Oblong 8vo., pictorial boards, featuring an overturned carriage and two horses; together in the repeat dustwrapper (unclipped, £1.30 net); illustrated throughout with full colour illustrations by Ardizzone; THE BOOK near-fine, a little bumped at head of spine; THE WRAPPER ever-so-slightly rubbed at edges, with one small pen mark to the lower panel; also near-fine. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. First UK edition. This copy neatly signed by the illustrator to the ffep. Graham Greene is perhaps best known for his adult novels - gritty, dark and complex works which often focused on themes of religion or suspense. He also, however, published a series of four children's books in the 1940s and 50s: 'The Little Train' (1946); 'The Little Fire Engine' (1950); 'The Little Horse Bus' (1952); and 'The Little Steamroller' (1953), which all contained illustrations by Dorothy Craigie. In the 1970s, the books were reissued with the wonderfully enigmatic illustrations by the war artist Edward Ardizzone, and this example is the first to appear with these images. This story concerns Mr Potter and his shop, which is put in danger when a rival emporium opens across the street. On discovering a bus in his back yard, he has the idea to harness his pony Brandy to the front, creating a magic relationship which is destined to save the day. "'What is the good of dreaming?' Mr Potter had wondered, but turn the page and you will see that sometimes dreams come true." A wonderful copy with Ardizzone's signature.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Near Fine
JACKET: Near Fine