Potter, Beatrix.

Appley Dapply's Nursery Rhymes. Warne, 1917, first edition, first or second printing, inscribed "For Esther Nicholson | with love from Aunt Beatrix | Nov 12. 17" on half-title, 15 coloured illustrations, text block detatched, upper board and spine detatched from lower board, some creases; Peter Rabbit's Almanac for 1929. Warne, 1928, first edition, inscribed "For Esther Nicholson | with love from Aunt Beatrix | Nov. 1928" on half-title, 13 coloured illustrations and other illustrations, spine splitting at joints; both 16mo, original boards with pictorial labels, some browning and soiling, worn and soiled (2)

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."

Judy Taylor notes, in Beatrix Potter's Letters (London 1989), that "Esther Nicholson was Willie Heelis's niece, one of the five children of his sister Grace and her husband James, who was a barrister... In 1915 Beatrix took on the financial responsibility for Esther's education and over the ensuing years encouraged and supported her in her studies..." (see p. 380). She died in 1980.