GRAHAME, Kenneth (1859-1932). The Wind in the Willows. London: Methuen & Co., [1908].
One of the icons of classic children's literature: first English edition of Grahame's masterpiece. "What had emerged [from Grahame's bedtime stories to his son Alistair] was no lighthearted story about a countryside community of animals but a long and ramifying fable ... the London publisher had been dubious about accepting so unclassifiable a book, putting it on his adult rather than his juvenile list, and many reviewers were also baffled as to its likely readership" (Grolier Children's). The Wind in the Willows status as a beloved children's classic is now undoubted. Grolier Children's 61.
Octavo. Frontispiece by Graham Robertson. Original pictorial blue-green cloth stamped in gilt, top edge gilt, other edges uncut (hinges repaired, light insect wear to cover, rubbing to spine ends and edges).

Violet Coltell, neat gift inscription dated 1908
Jo Ann Reisler, Ltd., Virginia, in 1996.
Acquired by Ann and Gordon Getty from the above.

Please note this lot will be moved to Christie’s Fine Art Storage Services (CFASS in Red Hook, Brooklyn) at 5pm on the last day of the sale. Lots may not be collected during the day of their move to Christie’s Fine Art Storage Services. Please consult the Lot Collection Notice for collection information. This sheet is available from the Bidder Registration staff, Purchaser Payments or the Packing Desk and will be sent with your invoice.