Scarce Vintage 1957 Hardback The Children’s Book Of Dogs By F. H. Lee Illustrated By H. C. Appleton. Highly Collectable. Very Good Lightly Used Condition.

This charming nostalgic book is evocative of a bygone era yet remains just as relevant, informative and entertaining today. It contains ten delightful stories – each about a specific dog and retold by F. H. Lee.

The book which is being offered for sale here is quite rare and hard to find as it is an authentic vintage original and not one of the modern reproductions of this publication which tend to be available these days. As such this item is now highly collectable.

This book was originally published by George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd. of Great Britain in February 1941 and proved such a success that it was subsequently reprinted twice that same year, as well as in three other years. The edition being offered for sale here was printed in September 1957 by Jarrold & Sons Limited of Norwich. It still retains its original paper dust jacket.

This hardback portrait format book contains 64 pages illustrated throughout with black and white line drawings by Honor Charlotte Appleton, who is world renowned for her illustrations in over 150 children’s books during her career – including Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, Black Beauty, Aladdin and Alice In Wonderland.

Size approximately 13.0 cm wide by 19.0 cm high.

Although this book has been read it is in a very good clean condition and is a nice edition, having only been lightly used. There are no loose or missing pages, nor are there any rips or tears or stains to the pages. There is slight yellow discolouration on the pages – which is to be expected given its age. The text and black and white line drawings are still bright and clear. The spine is intact and tight.

The dust jacket shows signs of wear having been stored on a bookshelf for many years and the spine is faded. Its corners and edges are a bit scuffed, and there are a few very small tears to its edges. The inside front flap has been cut away where the item’s price was originally printed.

This is a private sale from a pet, smoke and Covid free home. This book has been in my sole possession since it was originally purchased new by the Headmistress of the Infants / Junior school which I attended and presented to me at a sports day. The Headmistress stuck a book plate inside the book’s cover which states: “Coughton School Third Prize awarded to H. Chapman for Grade 3 Athletics”. (I’ve always been better at reading than sport!) There are no other inscriptions or notes in the book.

(Coughton School in Warwickshire was originally for the children of estate workers at nearby Coughton Court, between Studley and Alcester, which is a Grade I listed Tudor country house owned by the Throckmorton family since 1409 before more recently ing a National Trust property.)

Please refer to the photographs provided to make your own assessment regarding condition.

I would prefer the buyer to collect, and pay cash on collection please. (Social Distancing will be respected.)

However, if essential, I would be willing to send this book to a location within mainland United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, at the buyer's own risk, for an additional £6.00. In this situation I would make every reasonable effort to pack the book as carefully as possible so as to help ensure its safety and would use the Royal Mail's First Class Signed For Upon Receipt Small Parcel Service. Regret no returns accepted. Thank you.