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LEAR, Edward.. Nonsense Songs, Stories, Botany, and Alphabets.. London: Robert John Bush, 1871, 1871.

Price: US$1786.88 + shipping

Description: First edition. Lear's second book of nonsense is best known for including the first publication of "The Owl and the Pussycat", his most famous single poem. The book has a handwritten poem pasted to the upper part of the half-title presenting the book. The verse reads: "This book of fun is sent to you / By one at once old friend and new, / And though 'tis nonsense every bit, / Not so the wish that goes with it / That fair & calm the words may glide / Peaceful yet bright, till even tide, / And all the years bind only faster / The loves of Alice and her master / January 1871 E.L." The coincidence of the initials is perhaps the reason for choosing this book as a gift: the handwriting is not that of the author. Octavo. Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in dark blue morocco, spine lettered in gilt between two raised bands, marbled endpapers, gilt edges. Illustrated throughout after drawings by the author. A few trivial marks, a very good copy.

Seller: Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United Kingdom