POTTER, Beatrix (1866-1943). The Tailor of Gloucester. [London: privately printed,] December 1902.

Privately printed first edition of Beatrix Potter’s second book. Beatrix Potter finished this story in December 1901, presenting it to Freda Moore as a Christmas present. Given the success of Peter Rabbit and thinking it unlikely that Warne would publish another of her books so soon, she decided to have the book printed privately. Working through the original manuscript, she also redrew ten of the twelve illustrations, omitted two and added a further six to total sixteen. The edition was ready by mid-December 1902. The Tailor of Gloucester was Beatrix Potter’s favorite among her own books. She preferred this privately printed edition to Warne’s because it contained more of the old rhymes. One of 500 copies. Linder, p. 420; Quinby 3.

12mo. Color frontispiece and 15 color plates by Beatrix Potter. Original pictorial pink boards with rounded spine (spine with mild darkening and light wear at ends, a few spots to endleaves and fore-edge). Custom clamshell box.