The Railway Children. ***Rare First Edition - Nice Example***

Nesbit, E

Published by Wells Gardner, Darton & Co, 1906

FIRST EDITION, first printing. This lovely and very rare first edition of Edith Nesbit's enduring Edwardian classic, is in its original maroon cloth and pictorial gilt blocked boards, retains the gilt top edge, and is with the publisher's bound-in catalogue to rear: with the author's books cited "The Treasure Seekers" first, and "Oswald Bastable" last, as required. Thankfully, a wholly unrestored copy, what I admire about the book is that, amazingly, it is entirely without the unwelcome distractions of prior ownership which would lessen its appeal: there are no owner markings or inscriptions. The book possesses a sound binding (with none of the dreaded "lean") and has no major defects to note. It is also remarkably clean. A further desirable feature of the book is the inclusion of fine, illustrated plates by the renowned (and highly collectible) artist C. E. Brock - an illustrator often associated with his work on Jane Austen's novels (see, for example, Macmillan's 1895 edition of Pride & Prejudice). Brock's work here certainly does provide an additional layer of pleasure to spending time with the book and really makes owning and handling this fine book special. The first edition contains twenty plates, including the tissue-guarded frontispiece, and all are present and correct. Overall, in very good, tidy, clean condition. Indications of wear to the boards are inoffensive and light and commensurate with age. For example, the corner extremities are somewhat worn and there is also some rubbing (as always) and storage bruising to the top-and-tail of the spine, which is a little age toned. As we turn within, the pages are exceptionally nice and clean (free from soiling, scuffing, tears) and show just the merest and very intermittent indications of age. The blank end-papers are lightly age-freckled. A superior example of the first edition and a nicer copy of this attractive book than typically encountered. Rare indeed. Offered by D B WATERS RARE BOOKS: Professional, full-time booksellers of fine, select 1st editions, established in 1998. As befits a rare book, all dust-wrappers are housed within transparent, removable protectors. All our stock is fully guaranteed as authentic, a sample of which is presented here on this website. As long-established specialist sellers, we never stock any first edition that is devalued by serious flaws such as price-clipping, dedications, remainder dots, or owner markings, etc. Philip Pullman specialists for over 20 years. Managed by David, a holder of a Masters degree in Modern Fiction from the UEA, and published author by Nightjar Press. Contact us for friendly assistance in building your collection of modern highlights. Seller Inventory # 000618

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Railway Children. ***Rare First Edition ...
Publisher: Wells Gardner, Darton & Co
Publication Date: 1906
Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: C. E. Brock
Condition: Near Fine
Edition: 1st Edition