The Littlest One

Publication: London, George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd., 1923 Formatting: 4to, pp. 117. Condition Report: Very Good. The volume presents remarkably well, housed in a clear, removable protective sleeve. The quarter brown cloth spine remains tight and unfaded, while the original grey-brown paper boards show only light surface wear and minor rubbing to the extremities. Crucially, the large pictorial colour onlay to the front board is bright, clean, and entirely intact, free from the scratching or peeling that often afflicts this binding. The binding is firm and square with no leaning. Internally, the book is exceptionally crisp; the pages are bright, fresh, and free from the heavy foxing or children's scribbles typically found in vintage nursery books, ensuring the colour plates and line drawings remain pristine. Catalogue Note: First edition thus, being the first Harrap publication of these verses set to the musical scores of Dr. Ralph Dunstan. Marion St John Webb's poems were initially issued without the musical accompaniments, making this large-format quarto a significantly expanded and newly interpreted work. The volume is richly illustrated throughout, featuring eight delicate full-colour plates by the renowned children's artist Margaret W. Tarrant, alongside numerous characterful black-and-white line drawings by Kathleen I. Nixon. This true UK first edition is increasingly uncommon on the open market, particularly when found with the front board's pictorial onlay in such a well-preserved, unrubbed state. A charming collection of children's verse by Marion St John Webb, paired with delightful musical scores arranged by Dr. Ralph Dunstan. Originally published as standalone poetry, these verses capture the innocent, whimsical perspectives of a young child navigating the wonders of the everyday world. The text is beautifully brought to life through the gentle colour palettes of Margaret W. Tarrant and the playful line drawings of Kathleen I. Nixon, resulting in a quintessential example of Golden Age children's book illustration.…