GALLERY OF CHILDREN

Philadelphia: David McKay Co, 1925. Very good.. First trade edition of this short prose collection published to capitalize on the dramatic success of WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG, the first Pooh book, the year before. Still acclimating to his newfound fame, Milne made the error of agreeing to write a few short stories for American publisher David McKay in exchange for a simple lump sum, rather than a schedule of royalties. In a letter the same year, Milne said to a friend: "For God's sake don't buy it. I sold the thing outright [...] in a moment of madness – for £200. He has already sold 50,000 copies at 3 1/2 dollars. Take 10% on that and you perceive that I have thrown away thousands" (quoted in Thwaite). When McKay approached Milne for a second book, Milne gleefully reported his reply to his brother: "I told him to go to San Francisco and chew gum" (quoted in Thwaite). 12'' x 9.25''. Original blue cloth with pictorial paste-on. Illustrated by H. Willebeek Le Mair with pictorial title page and 12 beautiful and delicate color plates. Light cover wear, spot to rear board, touch of sunning to spine. One plate a bit foxed, else largely clean. (Inventory #: 2299)