Potter, Beatrix

16mo (155 x 113mm.), first American edition, [illustrations by Elsie Wrigley], original grey cloth, dust-jacket, ownership inscription on front fixed endpaper, minor soiling on lower cover, price-clipped dust-jacket frayed with minor loss to head and foot of spine

Linder, p.432

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."

The story was written by Potter in 1907. She sent it to Warne in 1908 but nothing came of this. When the publishers tried to interest Potter in illustrating the tale in 1918 she "jibbed at the pigeons... I have never been good at birds". The tale would be first published, just under forty years later, in a limited edition in England. This, the first American edition, was the first trade edition. Linder notes that the book was published in two sizes. This is thought to be the earlier of the two.