Beatrix Potter, [1918]

POTTER, Beatrix (1866-1943). The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse. Londo[n]: Frederick Warne, [1918].

Inscribed presentation of one of the earliest copies of the first edition, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper: “To A.J.H. with kind regards from H.B.H. / Dec 16. 18.” [Helen] Beatrix Potter married the country solicitor William Heelis in 1913. The earliest copies, as here, omit the final “N” from the publisher’s imprint. Linder, p. 430; Quinby 25.

12mo. Color frontispiece and 26 color plates by Beatrix Potter (fading to presentation inscription). Original gray-brown boards with pictorial cover label, pictorial endpapers (minor lean and rubbing). Custom clamshell box. Provenance: A.J.H. (presentation inscription) – Harry Bacon Collamore, noted Potter collector of Hartford, Connecticut (bookplate opposite half-title).