SANGORSKI & SUTCLIFFE, binders. RACKHAM, Arthur (illustrator, 1867-1939). GRAHAME, Kenneth (1839-1932).The Wind in the Willows. London: Methuen & Co., Ltd., 1951.

Deluxe limited edition, illustrated by Rackham, and in a pictorial morocco binding by Sangorski & Sutcliffe / Zaehnsdorf. “One does not argue about The Wind in the Willows. The young man gives it to the girl with whom he is in love, and if she does not like it, asks her to return his letters. The older man tries it on his nephew, and alters his will accordingly. The book is a test of character. We can't criticize it, because it is criticizing us. As I wrote once: It is a Household Book; a book which everybody in the household loves, and quotes continually; a book which is read aloud to every new guest and is regarded as the touchstone of his worth.” (A.A. Milne, introduction). No. 23 of 500 copies. (Hudson, 173). Very fine copy.

Folio (296 x 226mm). Half title. Introduction by A.A. Milne. Frontispiece and 11 mounted color plates after Arthur Rackham. Contemporary full red morocco gilt, recessed panel on front board with morocco onlays in many colors reproducing Rackham's illustration of Mole and Rat loading a hamper onto their boat; stamp-signed by the binders on upper turn-in, the illustration opposite p. 6, Rackham’s gilt stamped signature in the lower left, gilt stamped ribbed spine, gilt ruled turn-ins, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt, all others uncut, by Sangorski and Sutcliffe/Zaehnsdorf; morocco-edged and velvet-lined slipcase.