A Bear Called Paddington (With A Signed Letter From The Author And A Signed Card From ‘Padington’ And The Author) by Bond, Michael - 1958

The First UK Printing published by Collins in 1958. The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition. Some light markings to the boards in places. Very superficial light water stain to rear upper cover but negligible. Light pushing at the spine ends with a little bumping at the lower corners. The silver titling remains bright. Light toning with some spotting to the text block. The end papers and pages remain clean. One neat previous owner's name to the upper front blank endpaper. The WRAPPER has been neatly price clipped and is in Very Good++ condition. Mild edge wear with a small chip to the front lower edge and a 4cm closed tear to the lower rear spine fold. The spine colouring remains very bright. Some spotting to the verso which is visible on the front at the flap folds and white portion of the front cover. The Peggy Fortnum designed wrapper looks very attractive in the removable Brodart archival cover. The book is accompanied by a H/W signed letter from the author on his personal address headed notepaper and is dated '8th July 1985'. The recipient of the letter was a 'Mr King'. The original H/W envelope accompanies this letter. In the letter, the author replies to a request for an autographed bookplate: '.I don't have a personal one - the only thing I can offer is a card from Paddington - not quite the same thing I know. But I am enclosing in case of interest.' This enclosed card is present. It measures 21 x13cm. There is a printed image of Paddington and a paw print. The author has written : 'To MR KING, WITH ALL GOOD WISHES, PADINGTON'. This card is also signed by Michael Bond in blue ink. Michael Bond characteristically misspelt Paddington's name when signing on his behalf. There is a light partial horizontal crease to the card. A scarce first title in the 'Paddington' series and accompanied by equally scarce signed ephemera. Collectible with such attributes. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.