Puck of Pook's Hill.

First edition, first printing; 8vo (200 x 140 mm); half title, frontispiece, title page, nineteen illustrations in black & white, discreet ownership signature and date to title page, usual age-toning; publisher's red cloth, gilt- blocked medallion to front board, gilt lettering to spine, minor shelf wear, small bruise to lower spine, otherwise very good condition; [x], 306pp, [3, advertisements]. A collection of ten short stories, two young children encounter a mischievous sprite 'Puck'. He introduces them to historical and mythological figures which allow the author to explore themes of nationalism and identity. Set in the Sussex countryside, it is worth noting that Kipling himself lived in Sussex for most of his adult life on returning to the motherland. It is more than apparent that he felt a deep connection to the landscape, which clearly inspired his writing. Livingston 116.