Milne, A.A.

small 4to, first edition, number 10 of 20 numbered and signed copies on Japanese vellum, signed by the author and illustrator, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR WITH AN ORIGINAL THREE STANZA POEM ("I know a bank where Vincent goes, | And what he does God only knows...") on front free endpaper, original vellum lettered in gilt on upper cover, unopened

A FINE COPY.

Vincent Julian Seligman was a descendant of a German Jewish mercantile family that emigrated to London (and the USA) 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).

Vincent, and his wife Barbara, became close friends of the Milnes. In 1923 Seligman dedicated his book, Oxford Oddities, to A.A. Milne and, soon after the publication of the Pooh books, Milne gave prototypes of Pooh and Piglet soft toys to Barbara (sold in these rooms, 10 November 1998 and 10 July 2013). Vincent Seligman also owned the deluxe edition of The House at Pooh Corner (sold in these rooms, 10 November 1998 and 10 July 2013).