FUN & FANTASY

London: Methuen & Co. Ltd, 1927. Very good.. Signed limited first edition, one of only 150 numbered copies (and only 50 for America) signed by Shepard – retrospectively collecting highlights of his work for PUNCH in the 1920s after the Pooh books brought him fame. Milne's introduction describes the circumstances under which he and Shepard first met, which by 1927 was already enshrined in legend due to the smashing success of the Pooh books (the last of which, NOW WE ARE SIX, was published the same year). A steady illustrator for PUNCH, Shepard was considered a fundamental co-creator of the Pooh books by Milne: "It was Milne's idea that Shepard should have a share of his royalties [...] recognising his permanent share in the books. It was extremely unusual for an illustrator at this period" (Thwaite). The illustrations in this deluxe book demonstrate Shepard's characteristic eye for detail, which benefit from being printed on such high-quality paper. 12.5'' x 9.75''. Original quarter blue cloth, blue and green-patterned paper boards, printed paper spine label. Fore-edge and bottom edge uncut. Printed on handmade paper. Illustrated by Shepard with 8 lovely color plates plus a profusion of wonderful black-and-white images. 87, [1] pages. Signed by Shepard on the limitation page. Rubbing at corners, with boards sunned primarily along top edge. (Inventory #: 36093)