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

FIRST UK PRINTING. The Bodley Head, London: 1973.

Oblong 8vo., pictorial boards featuring trains to both upper and lower covers; together in the repeat dustwrapper (unclipped, priced £1.20 to front flap); illustrated throughout with wonderful full colour images by Ardizzone; THE BOOK very good plus with just a hint of spotting to the upper edge, occasionally extending to the outer margins of pages; one small bump to corner of front board; THE WRAPPER very good, a little faded, with a couple of creases and small damp marks to the outer edges; one or two small nicks. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. First UK edition, this copy neatly signed by the illustrator Edward Ardizzone 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. 'The Little Train' was Greene's first children's book, and is perhaps the one in the set which is most akin to his adult thrillers, involving an adventurous little train who, bored with punctuality, sets off on a riveting adventure. Seeking freedom and speed, he gradually ends up experiencing thirst, desolation and fear, and craves the comforts of home. "why did I ever leave Little Snoreing, kind Mr Poslethwaite and nice Joe Trolley. If only I could see them again...". A wonderful copy with Ardizzone's signature.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Very Good +
JACKET: Very Good