Milne, A.A.

8vo, first american edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author to the illustrator together with eight-line verse inscription, additionally signed by the illustrator, illustrations by E.H. Shepard, original pictorial green cloth gilt, illustrated endpapers, collector's green cloth folding box, very slightly frayed at extremities

From the library of E.H. Shepard

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

a highly important and personal gift from milne to shepard, revealing the author's sense of debt to his illustrator. The eight-line verse, (signed 'A.A. Milne') is as follows:

When I am gone,
Let Shepard decorate my tomb,
And put (if there is room)
Two pictures on the stone:
Piglet, from page a hundred and eleven,
And Pooh and Piglet walking (157)...
And Peter, thinking that they are my own,
Will welcome me to Heaven.

It appears that Shepard may have used this volume as a guide for subsequent duplicate drawings since several of the illustrations include some pencil marks (possibly off-set from newly drawn illustrations). There is also occasional residue from an eraser at the gutter of the volume.