Potter, Beatrix.

16mo, first edition, first printing [limited to 250 copies], presentation copy inscribed by the author to john richard halpin ("For the little boy, | from Cousin B. | Christmas 1901") on front free endpaper, coloured frontispiece and 41 black and white illustrations by Beatrix Potter, original pictorial grey-green boards, flat spine, some minor spotting and browning, two illustrations with sections skilfully coloured by hand, professional removal of other colouring and juvenile scribbling, some strengthening at gutter, binding slightly soiled and worn, restoration to spine

From the collection of Caroline Isobel Emma Halpin (née Hutton) and thence by family descent

Linder p.420; Quinby 1; Taylor, Whalley, Hobbs, Battrick pp.95-106; V&A 1622-1623

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 family association copy and one of the very few presentation copies inscribed by beatrix potter of the privately printed first appearance of peter rabbit

Having experienced rejection from at least six publishers, Beatrix Potter decided to issue The Tale of Peter Rabbit herself in 1901 and ordered 250 copies. These were finished by 16 December 1901 and were given away or sold (for a halfpenny). Success was so great that Potter ordered a further 200 copies in February 1902 (which were issued with a rounded, and therefore more durable, spine). The publishers Frederick Warne then expressed an interest and commercial publication followed in October 1902 comprising 6000 copies in boards and 2000 copies in cloth.

The first issue of the privately printed edition is one of the most important books in children's literature.

Records suggest that there have only been five copies of the first edition, first issue of Peter Rabbit offered at auction in the last thirty years which include an inscription or signature by Beatrix Potter. Of these one copy was signed "Beatrix Potter", one copy carried advance information about Frederick Warne's edition and one copy was not inscribed to a named recipient.

This copy is therefore one of three copies offered at recent auction to a specific recipient and comprises a family association copy bearing a presentation date in the year of publication.

Beatrix Potter and Caroline Isobel Emma Halpin (née Hutton) (born in 1875) were related through the Crompton family, sharing a Great Great Grandfather. (The Hutton side of the family included another Caroline Hutton (born in 1870), mother of the dedicatee of The Tale of Mr. Tod.) Caroline ("Carrie") Hutton married William Halpin and this copy is inscribed to their son John ("Jack") Richard Halpin.