MILNE. WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG, 1924, NUMBER 1 OF 100 COPIES SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR, TOGETHER WITH ALS (1 VOL.)

4to (220 x 174mm.), FIRST EDITION, NUMBER 1 OF 100 COPIES SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR, TOGETHER WITH AUTOGRAPH LETTER OF PRESENTATION, illustrations by E.H. Shepard, original buckram-backed boards with paper lettering piece on upper cover, DUST-JACKET, collector's chemise and blue morocco folding box, some spotting and browning to endpapers, minor bubbling to endpapers, extremities slightly worn, dust-jacket frayed at extremities with some loss

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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 autograph letter is dated 24 November 1924 and presents the volume to Mrs Nancy Eve as a wedding present, during the month of publication. Milne recalls that when he was very young "...we gave one of our form-masters a wedding present - an electro-plated tea-tray. Casting one rapid and dazzled glance at it, he said 'I thank you from the bottom of my heart; not only for its intrinsic value which must be enormous, but for the feelings which prompted it'. What he said when he got it home, and searched for the lion, is not recorded..." Milne then presents the book noting "it is the first copy printed, that and 'the feelings which prompted it' may give it a value in your eyes, for it comes from Daff and Billy and me with very real wishes for your happiness" (4to, 13 Mallord Street, London, 24 November 1924, 1 page).