Nuvolari and the Alfa Romeo by Briggs, Raymond (graphics); Carter, Bruce (text) - 1968

London: Hamish Hamilton, 1968. Early and very hard-to-find work by Raymond Briggs. Illustrated paper-covered boards are bright, clean save for library tapestains, show light-to-significant edgewear with boards exposed at spine ends. Dust jacket bright and clean, library spine label, flaps trimmed off and formerly taped to boards, appears vg in new Brodart cover. Dj blurb pasted to verso of free front endpaper. Other typical library signifiers include stamps, pocket remains on rear endpaper. Binding is secure, almost tight (won't close itself, but won't relax to open fully flat either). Pages predominantly clean with fingering or small stains to some margins. Short tear to gutter of front ep. Amazing full-page illustrations in both black-and-white and full colour. "Nuvolari was Italy's greatest racing driver. This true story tells how he challenged the new silver Mercedes and Auto-Unions with his old red Alfa Romeo. No one gave Nuvolari a chance. But they did not realize what great skill and courage could accomplish round the twisting mountainous circuit of the Nurburgring." My 16 year old son described the story as "poignant.". First Edition. Pictorial Hard Cover. Good to Fair/Fair. 8.25 x 8.25 in. (20.5cm x 20.5cm). Ex-Library.