Beatrix Potter, 1890

[POTTER, Beatrix (1866-1943), illustrator] – WEATHERLY, Frederic E (1848-1929). A Happy Pair. London: Hildesheimer & Faulkner; New York: Geo. C. Whitney, [1890].

The first and only edition of the first book illustrated by Beatrix Potter. In her journal for May 1890, Potter gives an account of her efforts to have some of her Christmas card designs published. Her first step was to send six of her designs (featuring Benjamin Bouncer) to Marcus Ward, who shocked her by sending them back by return post. "Following a suggestion from her brother, she sent some of her rabbit drawings to Hildesheimer & Faulkner, a greetings-card publisher, who to her amazement and delight sent her a cheque for £6 by return, with a request for more" (Judy Taylor, The Artist and Her World, p. 17). See Journal (London, 1966), pp. 203-206; Laurie Deval, "The Bibliography of Beatrix Potter," in: The Book Collector, Winter 1966, pp. 454-459 (where the V & A copy is described as the only copy known); Quinby, p. 115.

16mo (120 x 10mm). Chromolithographic title and 6 chromolithographic illustrations on card by Beatrix Potter, each monogrammed H.B.P. (a little soiling/toning internally). Original chromolithographic stiff wrappers illustrated by Potter, stitch bound with silk cord and original tassels, gilt edges (soiling to covers, backstrip worn). Paper slipcase.