Lot 40
  • 40

Grahame, Kenneth.

Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description

  • The Wind in the Willows. Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1931
4to, un-numbered copy of 200 copies on hand-made paper, presentation copy ('This is a presentation copy for A. White, Esq.'), signed by the author and illustrator, illustrations by E.H. Shepard, folding map at rear, contemporary green morocco gilt by Sangorski and Sutcliffe, spine gilt in compartments, top edge gilt, collector's slipcase, slight browning to endpapers, joints slightly worn, spine slightly darkened, minor wear to lower cover

Condition

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."

Catalogue Note

Shepard visited Kenneth Grahame in 1930 to discuss new illustrations for The Wind in the Willows. In The Horn-Book for April 1954 he recorded details of his interview:

Not sure about his new illustrator of his book, he listened patiently while I told him what I hoped to do. Then he said 'I love these little people, be kind to them'. Just that; but sitting forward in his chair, resting upon the arms, his fine handsome head turned aside, looking like some ancient Viking, warming, he told me of the river nearby, of the meadows where mole broke ground that spring morning, of the banks where Rat had his house, of the pool where Otter hid, and of Wild Wood way up on the hill above the river. ...He would like, he said, to go with me to show me the river bank that he knew so well, '...but now I cannot walk so far and you must find your way alone'.

Peter Green notes, in his biography of Grahame, that the author was 'delighted (as countless children and adults have been) by the drawings Mr. Shepard produced'.