Milne, A.A.

small 4to (225 x 170mm.), FIRST EDITION, NUMBER 1 OF 20 NUMBERED AND SIGNED COPIES ON JAPANESE VELLUM SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR WITH ORIGINAL VERSE ("This book of Pooh | belongs to | Vincent Seligman. | How proud is Pooh, because the fluff | Which blew into his cerebellum | Was deemed inspiriting enough | To justify a book in vellum. | A.A. Milne") on front free endpaper, original vellum lettered in gilt on upper cover, unopened, collector's chemise and orange brown morocco slipcase

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 FINE COPY.

Vincent Julian Seligman was a descendant of a German Jewish mercantile family that emigrated to the USA and London in the 19th century. Vincent’s father ran the London bank Seligman Brothers; his mother came from an artistic and musical family (and had an affair with Puccini). Seligman had dedicated his 1923 book, Oxford Oddities, to Milne. In return he was the recipient of this specially inscribed copy of one of the twenty deluxe copies of The House at Pooh Corner, as well as the manuscript of Milne's play Michael and Mary, inscribed and specially bound as a wedding present, in 1930. Around this time Mrs Barbara Seligman received a prototype of a Piglet soft toy (sold in these rooms, July 2013).