Available Copies from Independent Booksellers
Milne, A.A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd, London, UK, 1924.
Price: US$22.93 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: 100 pages. B&W illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard. States 'Third and Fourth Editions December,1924 ( month after first publication). NO DUSTJACKET. Dark blue hardback binding with a few light marks to front board, moderate wear and light rubs to spine-ends and boards' corners. Page-edges moderately age-yellowed, ink name to inside to front board, light browning to preliminary pages and endpapers o/w pages clean and tidy
Seller: Sarah Zaluckyj, KINGTON, United Kingdom
Milne, A A. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Company, London, 1924.
Price: US$25.48 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: Fading to bottom edge back and front, owner's name on fep, light browning to page margins. ; No colouring in. ; B & W illustrations; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 100 pages
Seller: C P Books Limited, Oxted, United Kingdom
Milne, A. A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd., London, 1924.
Price: US$25.48 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: 5th edition, 1924. Octavo. x, 99pp. Illustrated. Original blue cloth, gilt titles and decoration. Extremities rubbed. Former owner's signature to lower edge of f.e.p. Former owner's pen annotations to pages 55-59. Gutter cracked in a few places, but nothing appears loose. Overall a 'good' copy only.
Seller: Kerr & Sons Booksellers ABA, Cartmel, CMA, United Kingdom
A A Milne. When we Were Very Young. London Methuen & Co.Ltd 1924, 1924.
Price: US$31.85 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: pp 99 [1] A A Milne's classic of childhood bound in blue cloth with gilt decoration to the covers featuring characters from the books, top edge gilt, pictorial end papers and delightful illustrations by E H Shepard. The book is near fine, a little rubbing to the spine but otherwise the covers are fresh with bright gilt; the binding is firm, the pages are crisp, clean and unmarked. Attractive book plate and contemporary ownership inscription to half title. A splendid copy of this early edition. Near Fine Please contact Christian White Rare Books Ltd for more information or images of this item
Seller: Christian White Rare Books Ltd, Ilkley, YORKS, United Kingdom
Milne, A.A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co, London, 1924.
Price: US$33.04 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: First published in 1921; b/w illusts, illust. endpapers, decorated blue pictorial gilt boards, gilt lettering on spine, top edge gilt, boards are somewhat worn, top corners rubbed
Seller: Carmela's Books, Leichhardt, NSW, Australia
MILNE, A.A.. When we were very young. Methuen, London, 1924.
Price: US$38.22 + shipping
Description: Twelfth edition, 1925, in dark blue cloth with gilt. Owner's name on front pastedown; pastedown slightly wrinkled; a little wear at head & foot of spine. Used - Very Good. VG hardback (no dust jacket); teg
Seller: Cotswold Internet Books, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
A. A. Milne. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co, London, 1924.
Price: US$38.22 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: A sound decent copy, dark blue cloth covers have a gilt keyline, 3 clear gilt charcters on front and one on rear board. Gilt on spine moderately faded, still clear, and no fade of cloth. Moderate cornerwear, some fraying of cloth to spine top 1mm. Decorated endpapers bright with part rubbed out Christmas gift inscription. Pages generally clean, hinges slightly relaxed with no splitting in the gutters of the endpapers, Overall a nice early edition copy, printed in December 1924, not long after the November 6th first appearance. Size: 12mo
Seller: Book Bungalow, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Milne, A.A.. WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG. London: Methuen, 1924.
Price: US$44.59 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: 'Fifth printing' (actually the fifth printing of the first edition, published one month after the first). The format is identical to the first printing, except that the first had plain endpapers compared with the illustrated endpapers here. A lovely, near fine example with bright gilt to the spine and front panel. There is a pictorial bookplate to the front pastedown. No dust jacket, but the book comes with a quality reproduction (facsimile) of the first issue dust-wrapper, which looks great on the shelf and protects the book. The first of the four 'Pooh' books, introducing 'Winnie the Pooh'.
Seller: Mark Sutcliffe, Grayshott, HAMPS, United Kingdom
Price: US$44.59 + shipping
Description: Third edition hard back binding in publisher's original blue cloth covers, gilt lettering to the spine, twin gilt lines across the spine tips, three gilt vignettes to the front cover, one to the rear, gilt border line, top edge gilt, blue silhouette on pale cream paper of all the characters across the paste downs and end papers. 8vo 7½'' x 5¼'' [x] 2, 100 pp with monochrome illustrations throughout. Ink name to the top of the half-title, foxing to the end papers, spine caps and corners rubbed and in Good condition, no dust wrapper. Member of the P.B.F.A. CHILDREN'S & JUVENILE
Seller: Little Stour Books PBFA Member, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Milne, A. A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd., London, 1924.
Price: US$50.00 + shipping
Condition: Poor
Description: Signatures separate from front cover and spine. 3/4th inch tear at top edge of spine. Frayed extremities. Bumped and worn corners. Name and date on front end paper. Name stamp on its reverse and flyleaf. Size: 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall
Seller: The Country Bookshop [Member VABA], Plainfield, VT, U.S.A.
Milne, A.A.. When We Were Very Young.. Methuen London 1924, London, 1924.
Price: US$50.00 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: Good tight condition hardback slight curve to boards 6th issue. E.H. Shepard Illustrations
Seller: Abracadabra Books 50% Off Sale!, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
A A Milne. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co, London, 1924.
Price: US$50.96 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: Dark blue boards, gilt titles and illustrations. Spine rubbed top and bottom, corners bumped. Binding a little loose in places, foxing throughout.
Seller: Remember Books, Bath, United Kingdom
MILNE, A.A.. When we were very young. Methuen, London, 1924.
Price: US$54.46 + shipping
Description: Reprint (10th edition), July 1925. Blue cloth with gilt decoration & lettering. Date written on front free end paper; free end papers slightly browned, in tight binding; spine slightly bumped at head & foot. Overall a very nice copy. Used - Very Good. VG hardback (no dust jacket)
Seller: Cotswold Internet Books, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
A.A.Milne. Fourteen Songs from When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd., London, 1924.
Price: US$56.08 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: Brown boards, corner and edges rubbed. Content fine, pages bright, binding tight
Seller: Tormod Opedal, Sarpsborg, VIKEN, Norway
Price: US$75.00 + shipping
Description: London, UK: Methuen & Company Ltd. G/NO DUSTJACKET. 1924. Hardcover. Decorations by E. H. Shepard . 4to., 34 pp. .
Seller: Riverow Bookshop, Owego, NY, U.S.A.
MILNE, A A. WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG. METHUEN, London, 1924.
Price: US$76.44 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: 100 pages, bound in original blue cloth with gilt illustration to both boards, gilt lettering to spine, top edge gilt, slight softening to top and tail of spine, pictorial endpapers, gift inscription to first free endpaper otherwise in exceptionally good clean condition
Seller: K Books Ltd ABA ILAB, York, YORKS, United Kingdom
Milne, A.A.. WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG. Methuen, London, 1924.
Price: US$95.55 + shipping
Condition: Fine
Description: This fifth edition example with line-drawings by Shepard is in a very bright and crisp condition. The only fault is a late owners neat signature on the half-title.
Seller: Camilla's Bookshop, Eastbourne, SX, United Kingdom
Milne, A. A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd 1924, London, 1924.
Price: US$108.29 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: Sixth edition, same year as the first edition. ix,100 pp. Publisher's dark blue gilt decorated cloth. Top edge gilt. Minor rubbing & marks to boards. Spotting to endpapers. Ink owner's name. A few sections slightly loose. Very good copy overall. 8vo.
Seller: Foster Books - Stephen Foster - ABA, ILAB, & PBFA, London, United Kingdom
Milne, A. A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd 1924, London, 1924.
Price: US$108.29 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: Fourth edition, one month after the first edition. ix,100 pp. Publisher's dark blue gilt decorated cloth. Top edge gilt. Some marks to the boards and wear to the spine and corners. Binding generally firm with webbing visible to the rear hinge. Owner's name in ink to the front end paper and occasional marks internally. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos. Small 8vo. Illustrated
Seller: Foster Books - Stephen Foster - ABA, ILAB, & PBFA, London, United Kingdom
A.A.Milne. Fourteen Songs from When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd, London, 1924.
Price: US$114.66 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: Words by A.A.Milne, Music by H.Fraser-Simson, Decorations by E.H.Shepard. Grey boards, corners rubbed. Library plate of The Imperial Headquarters, The Girl Guide Association. Remnant of label to front end paper. Size: 310x250mm
Seller: Wadard Books PBFA, Farningham, KENT, United Kingdom
Milne, A.A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen and Co, London, 1924.
Price: US$121.03 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: Sixth edition. 8vo. Pp x, 100. Illustrations. Pictorial endpapers. Original cloth stamped gilt. Top edge gilt. Light wear to spine. No inscriptions. A nice copy.
Seller: Leakey's Bookshop Ltd., Inverness, United Kingdom
Milne, A. A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd 1924, London, 1924.
Price: US$121.03 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: Fifth edition, published 1 month after the first edition. x,100 pp. Publisher's dark blue gilt decorated cloth. Top edge gilt. Minor rubbing to tail of spine and extremities. Small dent to head of spine and front edge of book. Light discolouration to inner edge of FFEP and offsetting to half title-page. Internally clean with no markings or ownership names. A clean and attractive copy of this charming illustrated collection of poems for children. 8vo.
Seller: Foster Books - Stephen Foster - ABA, ILAB, & PBFA, London, United Kingdom
A.A. Milne. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd, London, 1924.
Price: US$127.40 + shipping
Description: Sixth Edition, published the same year as the first edition. Beautifully bound in blue cloth with a giltruled border and pictorial to the front, gilt pictorial to the rear, and gilt titles to the spine. The boards are in good condition despite a little scuffing to the front and fraying to the top and base of the spine, corners are a little bumped. This does come with the original dust jacket although this is worn with tape along the foreedge of the front cover, the spine is missing. Internally the binding is a little weak with cracking to the hinges. The endpapers are a little toned with the previous owner's neat inscription to the front free endpaper. The rest of the pages are clean with the beautiful illustrations of E.H. Shepard throughout. pp. x 100. A charming copy of a children's classic.nbsp;
Seller: St Marys Books And Prints, Stamford, United Kingdom
MILNE, A. A. When we were very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd, London, 1924.
Price: US$131.77 + shipping
Description: In 12 reliure d'éditeur. Ex-libris manuscrit , cinquième édition.
Seller: La Basse Fontaine, VENCE, France
A.A.Milne. When We Were Very Young. Methuen, London, 1924.
Price: US$152.89 + shipping
Condition: Fine
Description: HARDBACK - 11TH EDITION - A very good book, with a small owner name to the front end paper. The blue boards are quite clean with a little fading to a small area of the front and rear panels. The page block and the inner text are clean for a book that is ninety five years old. The reprint dust wrapper is in near very good condition, with shallow chipping to the spine tips, also to the corners of the front and rear flap folds. There is mention of Winnie the Pooh to the front flap denoting a slightly later dust wrapper from circa 1926.
Seller: West Hull Rare Books - P.B.F.A., Hull, YORKS, United Kingdom
A.A.MILNE. WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG. METHUEN & CO, LONDON, 1924.
Price: US$159.26 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: SECOND EDITION. HARDBACK BOUND IN THE ORIGINAL PUBLISHERS DECORATED CLOTH BINDING, ILLUSTRATED BY ERNEST H.SHEPARD WITH DECORATED ENDPAPERS, PUBLISHED IN THE SAME YEAR AS THE FIRST EDITION. BOOK MEASURES APPROX 8 x 5 INCHES. SOME MINOR WEAR AT TOP & BOTTOM OF SPINE WITH RUBBING TO EDGES OF SPINE, PRIVATE BOOKPLATE TO INNER FRONT BOARD WITH A SMALL NAME TO TOP OF FRONT ENDPAPER & A LARGER INSCRIPTION TO HALF TITLE, ENDPAPERS & HALF TITLE LIGHTLY BROWNED, OCCASIONAL MINOR MARK TO PAGES. OVERALL A VERY GOOD COPY WITH BOARDS FIRMLY ATTACHED, GILT TO COVER BRIGHT & MAJORITY OF PAGES CLEAN. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BINDING HAS A CLEAR REMOVABLE COVERING THAT DOES SHOW SOME REFLECTIONS IN IMAGES. EXTRA POSTAGE MAY APPLY FOR OVERSEAS ORDERS. ALL BOOKS ARE POSTED IN A STURDY BOOK BOX.
Seller: Elder Books, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, United Kingdom
MILNE, A.A.. When we were very young. Methuen & co, London, 1924.
Price: US$168.43 + shipping
Description: With illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard A nice, well preserved copy in tight binding; navy cloth with gilt rules and gilt decorations, showing 3 characters on front board, and one on rear; spine ever-so slightly darkened; Tidy end papers, a little browned; a few spots of foxing on half title and occasional pages; overall pages neat & well looked after.
Seller: Cotswold Internet Books, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Milne, A.A. (Alan Alexander: 1882-1956). When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd, London, 1924.
Price: US$175.00 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: Crown 8vo, 7 3/8 x 4 7/8 in. (188 x 124 mm); pp. xii + 100. Publisher's original blue cloth binding, front cover ruled border in gilt and stamped in gilt with illustrations stamped in gilt on the front and back covers, gilt title on spine, t.e.g, rest uncut; light bumping at tail of spine and corners but binding tight, last gathering cracked; some staining, mostly to front endpaper. [Haring-Smith C37; Cutler-Stiles p. 115]. This collection of 44 rhymes-many of which had previously appeared in Punch starting in 1923-were an instant success and saw 5 editions in the last 2 months of 1924. With a preface by A. A. Milne, the book is dedicated by the author to his son Christopher Robin, who will become the central human character in the famed Pooh series. In fact Pooh makes his first appearance is the poem "Teddy Bear," in which a fat bear meets a fat king (p.85-91): «A bear, however hard he tries, | Grows tubby without exercise.» London's Times Literary Supplement (20 Nov. 1924) greeted the book with an enthusiastic review «Milne knows how to enchant children and entertain adults simultaneously with verse the publisher aptly calls "frolicsome." A tendency toward inaccurate rhyming is an unimportant fault in a brilliant book.».
Seller: Rob Zanger Rare Books LLC, Middletown, NY, U.S.A.
Milne, A. A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. 1924, London, 1924.
Price: US$191.11 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: Second Edition, one month after first printing. x, 100 pp. Blue cloth with gilt decorations and lettering to boards and spine; decorated endpapers, top edge gilt. Slight wear to extremites. A few marks to the occasional page and one or two minor splits to binding within, but generally internally clean. Illustrated throughout with iconic E. H. Shepard drawings. 8vo.
Seller: Foster Books - Stephen Foster - ABA, ILAB, & PBFA, London, United Kingdom
A.A. Milne. When We Were Young. Methuen & Co. LTD., 36 Essex Street London W.C., 1924.
Price: US$200.00 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: hardcover in blue boards with gold gilt illustrations to both front and rear covers, gold gilt titles to spine, second edition December 1924 as stated on copyright page, second edition is also stated on title page, 100 pages with illustrations, printed by Jarrold & Sons Ltd. Norwich as stated on bottom of last page, well preserved inner hinges with illustrations to end papers that show some browning, looseness to binding, chipping to top and bottom of spine, marking to top inside edge of front cover, spine titles are faded, ix on bottom of contents page
Seller: Philosopher's Stone Books, Kingston, NY, U.S.A.
Milne, A.A.. When we were very young. Methuen & Co. Ltd., London, 1924.
Price: US$219.62 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: Second edition book with no dust jacket. Apart from some outer wear the book is in very good condition. 13 x 19.5 cms. 100pp., blue boards, cover and outer pages are embossed in gilt. shipping weight 320 grams. When We Were Very Young is a best-selling book of poetry by A. A. Milne. It was first published in 1924, and was illustrated by E.H. Shepard. Several of the verses were set to music by Harold Fraser-Simson. The book begins with an introduction entitled "Just Before We Begin", which, in part, tells the reader to imagine for themselves who the narrator is, and that it might be Christopher Robin. The 38th poem in the book, "Teddy Bear", that originally appeared in Punch magazine in February 1924, was the first appearance of the famous character Winnie-the-Pooh, first named "Mr. Edward Bear" by Christopher Robin Milne. In one of the illustrations of "Teddy Bear", Winnie-the-Pooh is shown wearing a shirt which was later coloured red when reproduced on a recording produced by Stephen Slesinger. This has become his standard appearance in the Disney adaptations.
Seller: finestfinds.ch, Geneva, Switzerland
Milne, A. A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen, London, 1924.
Price: US$222.96 + shipping
Description: (London: Methuen & Co. Ltd. Third Edition December 1924 (First Published on November 6th 1924). With illustrations by E H Shepard. Publisher's navy cloth with gilt rules and decorations showing 3 characters in gilt to the front and one to the rear board. Cream pictorial end-papers. Gilt top edge. The boards are really bright and clean with no fading whatsoever. The merest hint of rubbing (hardly worth mentioning) at the head and tail of the spine, offsetting to both sets of end-papers. Some light foxing to the fore-edge which has just crept into the text block in a few places. No inscriptions. A particularly pleasing, attractive and highly recommended copy. Photographs/scans available upon request.
Seller: James M Pickard, ABA, ILAB, PBFA., LEICESTER, United Kingdom
MILNE, A.A.. When we were very young. Methuen & Co. Ltd., London, 1924.
Price: US$222.96 + shipping
Description: Second edition of December 1924, published just a month after the November first. 100-page text (complete) in good, tight, clean condition, with no colouring-in and hardly any foxing. Top edges gilt. Light age-browning of the pictorial end papers. Small, neat closure to rear end paper. Old signatures on half-title page. Original pictorial gilt cloth binding in good, tight condition, with light edge wear and two slight corner bumps. See photos of this copy attached. (BMGAS)
Seller: Brian P. Martin Antiquarian and Collectors' Books, Midhurst, SUSSE, United Kingdom
Milne, A.A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd, London, 1924.
Price: US$350.36 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: Fifth edition, December 1924. 8vo. Pp x,100. Illustrations. Pictorial endpapers. Original cloth, stamped gilt. Top edge gilt. D/w defective & soiled with tears and piece missing from top of spine. No inscriptions.
Seller: Leakey's Bookshop Ltd., Inverness, United Kingdom
Milne, A. A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co. Ltd 1924, London, 1924.
Price: US$382.21 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: x, 100 pp., Dark navy full morocco binding with gilt decorated boards and all edges gilt. Boards clean and bright. Internally clean and illustrated throughout by Ernerst H. Shepard and with original endpapers bound into the front. A beautiful edition of the wonderful children's classic. 8vo. Illustrated
Seller: Foster Books - Stephen Foster - ABA, ILAB, & PBFA, London, United Kingdom
Price: US$573.32 + shipping
Condition: Fair
Description: First edition 1924. Top edges gilt. Some slight damp marking to the to and bottom of the inside page edges of the last 35 pages. Some light marking in places. Publishers gilt decorated blue cloth marked along top edges and bottom of the spine and rear covers. Cloth generally darkened. Only a fair copy externally. 100 p.
Seller: James Hine, Ilminster, SOMER, United Kingdom
Milne, A. A.. FOURTEEN SONGS FROM WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG. Methuen & Co. [1924], London, 1924.
Price: US$575.00 + shipping
Description: 1st Edition. Hardcover. Milne, A. A. FOURTEEN SONGS FROM WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG. London: Methuen & Co, [1924]. First Edition. From TBCL's Children's Bookcase. First Edition in Four Parts, of Milne's wonderful children's verses from When We Were Very Young, this first of the Christopher Robin books, set to music by H. Fraser-Simson. Sm 4to., 34pp. A fine copy bound in modern gilt-titled red cloth, hand-made custom blue endpapers; contents near fine, without blemish. A splendid example.
Seller: TBCL The Book Collector's Library, Montreal, QC, Canada
MILNE, A. A. SHEPARD, Ernest H. (illus.). When We Were Very Young.. Methuen & Co., London, 1924.
Price: US$675.00 + shipping
Description: xii, 100 pp. With Decorations by Ernest H. Shepard. Small 8vo, publisher's blue gilt-decorated and gilt-ruled cloth. First edition; second state with p. "ix" numbered. Dec. 25th 1924 ink ownership name on the front free endpaper; slight tanning to endsheets; slight use and some rubbing to the extremities of the cloth.
Seller: Jeffrey H. Marks, Rare Books, ABAA, Rochester, NY, U.S.A.
A. A. Milne. When We Were Very Young. Methuen, London UK, 1924.
Price: US$796.28 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: When We Were Very Young is a second state with "ix" on the contents page. Original blue illustrated boards with gilt lettering and images. Wear to the edges and corners and marks across the cover. The ends of the spine are worn Darkened spine with some small stains and wear. Previous owner's signature/dedication dated 1924 on the front fee page. Hinge split in a few places. Piece missing on page 3, 31, and 93. Tear on page 63. Dog ends on some of the pages and finger marks on many of the pages. 8vo 100 pp.
Seller: Rare And Antique Books PBFA, Exeter, DEVON, United Kingdom
Milne, A. A. and Shepard, Ernest, Illus. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co., Ltd, London, 1924.
Price: US$950.00 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: A very good second edition in a good dust jacket that is identical to the first issue dust jacket. Two inches missing from the top of the spine of the jacket. Previous owner's name on half-title page.
Seller: Bookbid, Beverly Hills, CA, U.S.A.
Price: US$1750.00 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: First trade edition, first printing; second state with page ix numbered. x, [ii], 100 pp. Bound in publisher's navy cloth with gilt lettering, top edge gilt; lacking dust jacket. Near Fine with slight lean to spine, light rubbing at extremities; offsetting to endpapers with bookseller's ticket at front pastedown, former owner's name dated 1944 on front free endpaper. The first and scarcest of the Pooh books.
Seller: Burnside Rare Books, ABAA, Portland, OR, U.S.A.
Milne, A. A.; E. H. Shepard [Illustrations]. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co, London, 1924.
Price: US$2000.00 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: First British edition, first printing. Second state with page number ix present at prelims. Publisher's blue cloth decorated in gilt on upper board and spine; lacking the dust jacket. Near Fine with light rubbing to cloth at corners and spine ends but on the whole a very bright and sharp copy, browning to endsheets, light toning and a light thumbing to pages. Uncommon in such nice condition.
Seller: Burnside Rare Books, ABAA, Portland, OR, U.S.A.
MILNE, A. A ILLUSTRATED BY SHEPARD, E. H. WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG. Methuen, London, UK, 1924.
Price: US$2159.50 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: Third edition. Octavo. Original blue cloth lettered and blocked in gilt. Dustwrapper. pp.xii,100. Decorative endpapers. SIGNED IN FOUNTAIN PEN BY ERNEST SHEPARD TO THE TITLE PAGE. Illustrated throughout in black and white by Shepard. Slight rubbing to the cloth to the head and tail of the spine and a little wear to the rear panel. Overall a very good, tight, clean copy in good nicked, chipped, edge-worn and marked dustwrapper which has a neat pencil name to the head of the front panel. Dustwrapper marked '3rd edition' to the rear inside flap. Published less than a month after the first edition and with a fine contemporary signature by Ernest Shepard. Very scarce. INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE FOR THIS ITEM WILL BE OVER THE DEFAULT AMOUNT. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE.
Seller: Hornseys, Ripon, United Kingdom
Price: US$2200.00 + shipping
Description: Finely bound example of each work in Milne's wonderful Pooh quartet. Octavo, bound in full morocco by Bayntun Riviere, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, gilt ruled to the front and rear boards, gilt onlay to the front panel, inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Illustrated by Ernest Shepard. In fine condition. An exceptional presentation. âAlthough Alan Alexander Milne wrote novels, short stories, poetry and many plays for adults, in addition to his work as assistant editor for Punch from 1906 to 1914, it is his writings for children that have captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide and granted Milne everlasting fameâ (Silvey, 461). Milne wrote most of these poems at the request of friend and fellow poet Rose Fyleman, who was planning a new childrenâs magazine. âOn a rain-blighted holiday in Wales, [Milne] escaped from the crowd of fellow guests to the summerhouse, and for 11 days wrote a set of childrenâs verses, one each day⦠âThere on the other side of the lawn was a child with whom I had lived for three years [his son, Christopher Robin]⦠and here within me were unforgettable memories of my own childhood.â He added more verses when he got home, enough for a book, and allowed some to be published in advance in Punchâ (Carpenter & Prichard, 351). Shepard, a Punch staff artist at the time, provided delightful line vignettes, resulting in âa wonderful marriage of verse and vision. His delicately precise and fresh drawings had an instant appealâ (DNB).
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
Price: US$2500.00 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: Fourth Edition. Signed by the A.A. Milne on the half-title page, "S.V. [?] Carey's book and his rotten pen A.A. Milne 30.8.25". Bound in publisher's illustrated dark blue cloth stamped in gilt; dust jacket lacking. Very Good with slight lean to binding, light darkening to spine and light wear at extremities. Front gutter repaired; tape ghosts on front free endpaper; contents tanned with the occasional age spot. A lovely copy of the first Pooh books, scarcely signed.
Seller: Burnside Rare Books, ABAA, Portland, OR, U.S.A.
Milne, A. A.. WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG. Methuen & Co. LTD., London, 1924.
Price: US$2579.39 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: This is the First Edition with page ix numbered as the limited edition could have been printed after the first issue (Ahearns pp. 468) Blank end papers, former owner (child's) signature in pencil top of page following table of contents. Book is in very nice condition in the original blue cloth with gold stamped illustrations on cover. Book housed in a facsimile dust jacket. 100 pp Please see my other "POOH" related books.
Seller: Barry's Books, San Antonio, TX, U.S.A.
A. A. Milne. When We Were Very Young. Methuen & Co Ltd, London, 1924.
Price: US$2866.59 + shipping
Condition: Fair
Description: Original blue cloth boards with gilt borders and illustrations on the cover. Bumped and chipped extremities with fading of the colours. Rubbed gilt illustrations. 5 x 2 cm stain on the cover. Brown mark on the top edge of the book. Cloth is bumped and mild dents on the edges of the boards. The hinges are weak in places. Rear end page has come away from the hinge. Browned end papers. Ink signature of previous owner on the front paste down. Finger marks and some blue marks on some pages. Page 47 is split at the top edge. 1 cm tear on page 33. Fold on page 26. First state book with no "ix" on the contents page. The first state dust jacket with 7/6 on the spine is browned with rubbing and marks on the covers. Pieces missing from the spine edges and a centrally over the illustration. Tears on the folds and edges. Spine and folds are reinforced internally with tape.
Seller: Rare And Antique Books PBFA, Exeter, DEVON, United Kingdom
Price: US$2973.52 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: London: Methuen 1924-1928. Sm. 8vo. As issued in the original blue green crimson and pink cloth bindings with gilt vignettes on covers. Top edges gilt other edges uncut. Copiously decorated with illusts. by E.H. Shepard. Preserved in felt-lined slipcase. With the exception of 'When We Were Very Young' which is the First Edition; Fifth Issue the other three titles are all First Editions: First Issues. Complete First Editions of Milne's wonderful 'Pooh Quartet'. Slight foxing other in fine as issued condition. NOTE: One would have to search far and wide to find fictional characters as beloved to so many readers Although Alan Alexander Milne wrote novels short stories poetry and many plays for adults it is his writings for children that have captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide and granted Milne everlasting fame' Silvey 461. When We Were Young was published in 1924 to great success in England and America; Winnie the Pooh the second in the series has been described as 'among the best ever written for children.'
Seller: Berkelouw Rare Books, Berrima, NSW, Australia
Price: US$3000.00 + shipping
Description: First trade edition, first printing; second state with page ix numbered. x, [ii], 100 pp. Bound in publisher's navy cloth with gilt lettering, top edge gilt. Near Fine with offsetting to endpapers, light wear; nice bright gilt. In dust jacket, chipped at head and tail, toning to spine panel, small scratch to front panel. The first and scarcest of the Pooh books.
Seller: Burnside Rare Books, ABAA, Portland, OR, U.S.A.
Milne, A.A.. When we were very Young. Methuen, London, 1924.
Price: US$5000.00 + shipping
Condition: Fine
Description: First Edition, First Printing. This original dustjacket has some fading to the spine and wear to the edges. The book is bound in the publisher's cloth with minor wear to the boards. The pages are clean with NO marks or bookplates in the book. A lovely copy.
Seller: Magnum Opus Rare Books, Missoula, MT, U.S.A.
Milne, A. A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen, London, 1924.
Price: US$5032.47 + shipping
Description: (London: Methuen & Co., 1924) Illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard. First UK Edition, First printing, FIRST STATE with ix NOT numbered to the Contents Page. Publisher's original blue cloth, front and rear boards illustrated in gilt, gilt border to front board, spine lettered in gilt, top edge gilt. A very good book with clean blue boards. There is light rubbing/softening to the spine tips and also to the corners of the front and rear boards. Internally the inner text is clean with a few sporadic finger marks throughout the text. There is a small previous owner's name in ink to the top corner of the front free end-paper. Both end-papers are lightly offset. NB: The book is the first state with NO printed number to page ix. The dustwrapper is priced 7/6 net to the spine (as called for) and is VG indeed. there are two short closed tears and associated creases to the bottom-edge of the back panel and one comparable closed tear to the top-edge of the back panel. The front panel has a tiny chip from the top edge. The head of the spine has a shallow chip just affecting the lettering. The spine is lightly toned (but less so than normally found). NNB: Neither the book nor the dustwrapper have had any restoration or touching-up. Photographs/scans available upon request.
Seller: James M Pickard, ABA, ILAB, PBFA., LEICESTER, United Kingdom
Price: US$6051.70 + shipping
Description: First editions, first impressions, of these timeless classics of children's literature. When We Were Very Young is in the second state of the first impression with the page number "ix" present, as usual, in the preliminaries. After the huge success of When We Were Very Young, published in 1924, Milne was asked to contribute a story to the London Evening News. "The Wrong Sort of Bees", published on Christmas Eve 1925, was based on a bedtime story that Milne had told his son Christopher. It starred Christopher's teddy bear, bought at Harrods for Christopher's first birthday, known initially as Edward or Edward Bear and later renamed Winnie-the-Pooh (after a favourite bear cub at London zoo). Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) was an immediate success and garnered even more enthusiastic reviews than its predecessor. Now We Are Six followed in 1927 and took just two months to eclipse the sales records of the previous two books. The final book, The House at Pooh Corner, was received by critics with a delight tinged by sadness. "The Times Literary Supplement congratulated Milne on avoiding 'the temptation to repeat his successful formula mechanically', though it was 'sad to see the stories end'" (Thwaite, p. 336). Ann Thwaite, A. A. Milne: His Life, 1990. 4 works, octavo. Later half blue, green, red, or pink morocco retaining original cloth covers, spines lettered in gilt, raised bands, front covers with pictorial designs, front illustrated endpapers preserved, original spines bound in at rear, top edges gilt. Housed in a custom blue cloth slipcase. Illustrations throughout by E. H. Shepard. Ownership inscription of one John Armistead, dated 1928, to front free endpaper of Now We Are Six, and of one Monica Black, dated 1935, to front free endpaper of The House at Pooh Corner. Some light marks to covers, occasional foxing and browning, light finger-soiling: a near-fine set.
Seller: Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United Kingdom
Milne, A.A.. When we were very Young. Methuen, London, 1924.
Price: US$7500.00 + shipping
Condition: Fine
Description: First Edition, First Printing with the words "First Published in 1924 printed on the copyright page. This copy is SIGNED by A.A. Milne on a laid in signature. An attractive dustjacket with light wear to the spine and edges. This original First State dustjacket has the 7/6 net price printed on the dustjacket spine. The book is in excellent condition. The binding is tight, with light wear to the panels. The pages are clean with NO writing, marks or bookplates in the book. A beautiful copy of this TRUE FIRST EDITION in collector's condition. We buy Milne First Editions.
Seller: Magnum Opus Rare Books, Missoula, MT, U.S.A.
Price: US$10000.00 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: 20 cm; four separate volumes as issued, in original dust jackets. Top edges gilt. Sound copies, without significant blemishes (some discoloration to endleaves, some ownership incriptions on endleaves or blanks). Dust jackets good only, spines darkened, with loss at crown, heel, and upper panel on Now We Are Six and When We Were Very Young; at crown on the House at Pooh Corner and Winnie the Pooh. Dust jacket edges variously frayed, with bit of stain along top edge of Winnie the Pooh. Protected from deterioration in Brodart. Please see images. The beloved set of four, all in first editions: When We Were Very Young (1924) in blue cloth, plain end papers, with no pagination on p. ix; Winnie the Pooh (1926) in green cloth, with map end papers, in orange (ish) dust jacket; Now We Are Six (1927) in red-rose cloth, with pink end papers illustrated in blue and light green dust jacket; and the House at Pooh Corners (1928) in salmon cloth, and salmon end papers with illustrations printed in black, peach-colored dust jacket. See John R. Payne, "Four Children's Books by A. A. Milne" in Studies in Bibliography 23 (1970) 127-139.
Seller: Rodger Friedman Rare Book Studio, ABAA, Tuxedo, NY, U.S.A.
Price: US$10500.00 + shipping
Description: First editions of each work in Milne's wonderful Pooh quartet. Octavo, original cloth decorated in gilt, pictorial endpapers, top edge gilt. Illustrated by Ernest Shepard. Each book is fine in a very good dust jacket with some loss and wear to the crown and foot of the spine, as is typically seen. Housed in a custom slipcase. Small ownership name to When We Were Very Young, bookplate to The House At Pooh Corner. âAlthough Alan Alexander Milne wrote novels, short stories, poetry and many plays for adults, in addition to his work as assistant editor for Punch from 1906 to 1914, it is his writings for children that have captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide and granted Milne everlasting fameâ (Silvey, 461). Milne wrote most of these poems at the request of friend and fellow poet Rose Fyleman, who was planning a new childrenâs magazine. âOn a rain-blighted holiday in Wales, [Milne] escaped from the crowd of fellow guests to the summerhouse, and for 11 days wrote a set of childrenâs verses, one each day⦠âThere on the other side of the lawn was a child with whom I had lived for three years [his son, Christopher Robin]⦠and here within me were unforgettable memories of my own childhood.â He added more verses when he got home, enough for a book, and allowed some to be published in advance in Punchâ (Carpenter & Prichard, 351). Shepard, a Punch staff artist at the time, provided delightful line vignettes, resulting in âa wonderful marriage of verse and vision. His delicately precise and fresh drawings had an instant appealâ (DNB).
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
Milne, A. A. (Alan Alexander). When We Were Very Young. London: Methuen & Co., 1924.
Price: US$12500.00 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: Illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard. First edition, first printing, second state with "ix" to contents leaf. One of 5,140 copies. Signed by Milne on title page. Original publishers blue cloth, front and rear boards illustrated in gilt, gilt border to front board, spine lettered in gilt, top edge gilt. A near fine copy with light rubbing to spine ends, a few tiny spots of soiling to cloth, bottom corners gently bumped, spine slightly shaken but sturdy overall, and light offsetting to endpapers. Overall, a beautiful copy of Milnes first book to feature Winnie the Pooh. A.A. Milne's 1924 collection of poetry When We Were Very Young contains the first depiction of Winnie the Pooh in the poem "Teddy Bear" on page 85. Containing 52 poems, the collection is beautifully illustrated by Ernest Howard Shepard with simple ink drawings. The best-selling book is lovingly dedicated to A.A. Milne's son Christopher Robin Milne who was four at the time of the book's publication. Many of Milne's characters were based on his son and his son's toys.
Seller: B & B Rare Books, Ltd., ABAA, New York, NY, U.S.A.
Price: US$14014.46 + shipping
Condition: Fine
Description: First Editions. Hardback. 8vos. Appeared between 1924 and 1928. First editions, first impressions,of the great classic. When We Were Very Young is in the second state of the first impression with the page number ix present in the preliminaries. In exquisite crushed full leather by Bayntun Riviere of Bath. The illustrations rendered in coloured onlays on the front covers comprise: Christopher lying on the grass (When We Were Very Young) Christopher Robin pulling on his boots (Winne-the - Pooh)Christopher Robin standing in the rain in wellingtons, raincoat and rain hat (The House at Pooh Corner) and Christopher Robin skipping with a rope (Now We are Six) Bound in red, blue, green and bright red crushed morocco by Bayntun Riviere , their binders gilt stamp on front turn-ins, spine with raised bands and lettered in gilt with small gilt bear at he centre of the spine, front covers with illustrations after E. H. Shepard in coloured onlays, covers with gilt fillet borders, gilt edges, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers, original cloth covers and spine bound in at end together with original pictorial endpapers when issued. All edges gilt. Housed in a custom brown textured plain cloth slipcase. Illustrated throughout by E. H. Shepard. Slipcase faintly tanned at top edge otherwise a fine set. Fine.
Seller: Burwood Books, Wickham Market, United Kingdom
Milne, A. A. and Shepard, Ernest, Illus. When We Were Very Young. Methuen, 1924.
Price: US$14500.00 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1924, 1924. Quarto. The first of the four Pooh books. One of only 100 numbered copies, signed by Milne and the illustrator, Ernest Shepard. One small dent to the cloth at the center of the spine, else a fine bright copy in a very good to near fine dust wrapper. Original red cloth backed grey boards, printed paper label to upper board. With the dust jacket. Housed in a blue quarter morocco slipcase and chemise, some light wear to the spine of the slipcase. Illustrated throughout by E. H. Shepard. First edition, first impression. One of a limited edition of 100 numbered copies on handmade paper signed by both the author and illustrator on the limitation page.
Seller: Bookbid, Beverly Hills, CA, U.S.A.
Price: US$15000.00 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: London: Methuen and Co., 1924 - 1928. First Editions (When We Were Very Young is 1st edition, second state with "ix" on Contents page), Four volumes. With wonderful line drawings throughout, illustrated by E. H. Shepard.When We Were Very Young, published in 1924, first trade edition, second state, NF copy with light wear to extremities in VG dustwrapper with a tanned spine, miniscule chip out of top left of spine, navy cloth boards with gilt lettering and gilt vignettes to front and back covers, 100 pps, one of 4,500 copies printed in the first edition, which sold out in the first week.Winnie-the-Pooh, published in 1926, first trade edition, NF copy in a NF first issue dustwrapper with 117th thousand marked on back flap is bright and complete (does have small wrinkle on back which is not a tear) with minor dustiness, green cloth boards with gilt lettering and vignettes of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh, illustrated end papers with map of 100 Aker Wood and numerous line drawings throughout the book of Pooh and his friends, 158 pps.Now We Are Six, published in 1927, first trade edition, NF in first state VG dustwrapper with 7/6 price on the spine, back panel has a one-inch tear and slight chips to head and tail of spine, PO name on verso of FFEP, maroon cloth with gilt lettering and vignette of Christopher Robin playing with a train engine on front and Pooh and Piglet on back, 103 pps.The House at Pooh Corner, published 1928, first trade edition, NF copy in VG first issue dustwrapper (back flap contains an ad for When We Were Very Young, stating it is in its 179th Thousand), small one-half inch tear to front of dustwrapper at the top in the middle and a small gouge (paper still present) to bottom right corner, salmon cloth boards with gilt lettering and vignette, small prior bookshop label to rear endpaper, 179 pps
Seller: The Book Lair, ABAA, Pleasanton, CA, U.S.A.
Price: US$15000.00 + shipping
Condition: Fine
Description: A handsome set, all first editions, first issues (no "IX" in 1st book), in near fine dust jackets. Housed in a custom-made case.
Seller: Bookbid, Beverly Hills, CA, U.S.A.
MILNE, A. A.. WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG. Methuen & Co., Ltd, London, 1924.
Price: US$15600.00 + shipping
Description: 225 x 177 mm. (8 7/8 x 7"). CHARMING ROYAL BLUE CRUSHED MOROCCO BY BAYNTUN-RIVIERE, covers with five gilt figures of children (one at center, one in each corner) based on illustrations in the book, upper cover with gilt lettering, raised bands, spine compartments with the figure of Winnie-the-Pooh, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt, other edges untrimmed. In an excellent (presumably original) cloth-covered fleece-lined slipcase (slightly faded) Illustrated throughout by E. H. Shepard. A Large Paper Copy. Binder's instructions for opening the book properly laid in at front. âAN OUTSTANDING COPY, very clean and bright internally, in an unworn binding. This is a copy of the deluxe first edition of Milne's first work to feature Pooh and Christopher Robin, the latter based on Milne's son, who bore the same name and to whom the book is dedicated. The volume contains 44 poems for and about children, including the famous "Vespers," written about the real-life Christopher Robin when he was three years old. Illustrator E. H. Shepard's adorable, mischievous tots and their animal friends provide a sweet and whimsical accompaniment to the text. Alan Alexander Milne (1882-1956) began his writing career at "Punch," where he became well known for his wit. He was the successful author of plays and mystery novels before he began writing verses to amuse his young son during a rainy vacation in Wales in 1923. "When We Were Very Young" was published the following year, enlivened with drawings by "Punch" illustrator Shepard. According to DNB, "It was a huge success and was acclaimed in The Times as 'the greatest children's book since Alice [in Wonderland].'" Over the next four years, it was followed by "Winnie-The-Pooh," "Now We Are Six," and "The House at Pooh Corner," establishing Milne as one of the most beloved children's authors of the 20th century. Our volume was bound by a venerable English workshop. Founded in Bath in 1894, the Bayntun bindery has provided beautiful bindings for bibliophiles for more than a century. In 1937, Bayntun acquired the Riviere bindery, which had been in business since 1829, and began signing its bindings "Bayntun-Riviere," as here. It is now the last of the great Victorian trade binderies still in family ownership. FIRST EDITION. No. 67 OF 100 COPIES SIGNED by the author and illustrator.
Seller: Phillip J. Pirages Rare Books (ABAA), McMinnville, OR, U.S.A.
Price: US$15925.53 + shipping
Description: First editions, first impressions, of these timeless classics of children's literature. When We Were Very Young is in the second state of the first impression with the page number ix present, as usual, in the preliminaries. The dust jacket for Winnie-the-Pooh is in the first state with "117th Thousand" on the rear flap. After the huge success of When We Were Very Young, published in 1924, Milne was asked to contribute a story to the London Evening News. "The Wrong Sort of Bees", published on Christmas Eve 1925, was based on a bedtime story that Milne had told his son Christopher. It starred Christopher's teddy bear, bought at Harrods for Christopher's first birthday, known initially as Edward or Edward Bear, and later renamed Winnie-the-Pooh (after a favourite bear cub at London zoo). Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) was an immediate success and garnered even more enthusiastic reviews than its predecessor. Now We Are Six followed in 1927, and took just two months to eclipse the sales records of the previous two books. The final book, The House at Pooh Corner, was received by critics with a delight tinged by sadness. "The Times Literary Supplement congratulated Milne on avoiding 'the temptation to repeat his successful formula mechanically', though it was 'sad to see the stories end'" (Thwaite, p. 336). Ann Thwaite, A. A. Milne: His Life, 1990. 4 works, octavo. Original blue, green, red, or pink cloth, spines lettered in gilt, front covers with pictorial designs and ruled borders in gilt, top edges gilt. With dust jackets. Housed in a custom purple cloth folding box. Illustrations throughout by E. H. Shepard. Some extremities a little bumped or rubbed, usual browning to endpapers, minor cockling to fixed endpapers in When We Were Very Young; extremities of jackets a little worn with occasional minor loss, jackets toned at spine, creases to jacket for When We Were Very Young, closed tears with minor tape repairs on reverse of jackets for When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six, prices integral to spine: a very good set in very good jackets.
Seller: Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United Kingdom
Milne, A. A.. When We Were Very Young. Methuen, 1924.
Price: US$18000.00 + shipping
Condition: Fine
Description: London: Methuen & Co., 1924. Quarto. Original red cloth backed grey boards, printed paper label to upper board. One of 100 copies signed by the author and illustrator on the limitation leaf. Housed in a black quarter morocco clamshell case. A fine copy in a very good dust jacket with slight tanning on the spine and fraying at the top. Illustrated throughout by E. H. Shepard. First edition.
Seller: Bookbid, Beverly Hills, CA, U.S.A.
Price: US$18150.00 + shipping
Description: First editions, 'When We Were Very Young', first issue with p.ix NOT numbered; 8vo; illustrations; 'When We Were Very Young', neat ink ownership inscription and light browning to endpapers, slight sunning to spine, jacket with light toning to spine and panels, spine ends and corners a little chipped, 1 or 2 short tears with light creasing to head and foot, professional restoration to head of spine, extremities a little rubbed; 'Winnie-the-Pooh', map endpapers (very light browning), jacket with light toning to spine, neat and professional repairs and restorations to spine, corners and along upper fore-edge, repaired tear straying into upper panel; 'Now We Are Six', pictorial endpapers, spine slightly darkened, light toning to jacket spine and head of upper panel, spine with chip to foot, minor chipping to tip of spine and corners, some light surface soiling, short nick to head; 'The House at Pooh Corner', pictorial endpapers (very light browning), jacket spine with light toning, minor chipping and light creasing to spine tips and corners; all in publisher's pictorial cloth, gilt, light rubbing to spine tips and corners, top edge gilt, dust-jackets, a very good set; preserved in a custom-made slip-case. Milne's first volume, When We Were Very Young, was published in November 1924 and was such a resounding success that the subsequent three titles followed in quick succession. This is a superior set of first editions with the very rare first issue of the first title, near-fine internally.
Seller: Shapero Rare Books, London, United Kingdom
Milne, A. A.. Complete set of the Winnie-the Pooh books, as below. Methuen & Co, London, 1924.
Price: US$18750.00 + shipping
Description: All first editions, all in original cloth and dust jackets, t.e.g., decorated throughout by E.H. Shepard; 4 volumes, 8vo, in a custom-made fleece-lined brown cloth clamshell box lettered in gilt; 1) When We Were Very Young, second state as usual, without pagination on p. ix; ; the dust jacket with several short breaks at the spine ends; slight wear and small breaks at the top of the spine 2) Winnie-the Pooh, jacket a bit soiled, with small breaks at the spine extremities; 3) Now We Are Six, spine of jacket a little toned and with short breaks at the top; 4) The House at Pooh Corner, small pinhole on back panel of the dust jacket. All are quite bright in original cloth. In all, a very good to near fine set.
Seller: Rulon-Miller Books (ABAA / ILAB), St. Paul, MN, U.S.A.
Price: US$19110.63 + shipping
Description: First editions, first impressions, of these timeless classics of children's literature. When We Were Very Young is in the second state of the first impression with the page number ix present in the preliminaries. These four volumes comprise a full set of the Pooh books and are presented in beautiful bindings by Bayntun (Riviere) of Bath. The illustrations rendered in coloured onlays comprise: Christopher Robin on the stairs ("Halfway Down") (see p. 80 of When We Were Very Young), Winnie-the-Pooh outside his home ("under the name of Sanders") (see p. 3 of Winnie-the-Pooh), Christopher Robin in his garden ("Solitude") (see p. 1 of When We Were Very Young), and Christopher Robin eating an apple ("what does Christopher Robin think about it?") (see p. 105 of The House at Pooh Corner). After the huge success of When We Were Very Young, published in 1924, Milne was asked to contribute a story to the London Evening News. "The Wrong Sort of Bees", published on Christmas Eve 1925, was based on a bedtime story that Milne had told his son Christopher. It starred Christopher's teddy bear, bought at Harrods for Christopher's first birthday, known initially as Edward or Edward Bear, and later renamed Winnie-the-Pooh (after a favourite bear cub at London zoo). Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) was an immediate success and garnered even more enthusiastic reviews than its predecessor. Now We Are Six followed in 1927, and took just two months to eclipse the sales records of the previous two books. The final book, The House at Pooh Corner, was received by critics with a delight tinged by sadness. "The Times Literary Supplement congratulated Milne on avoiding 'the temptation to repeat his successful formula mechanically', though it was 'sad to see the stories end'" (Thwaite, p. 336). Ann Thwaite, A. A. Milne: His Life, 1990. 4 works, octavo (180 x 115 mm). Bound in red morocco by Bayntun (Riviere), signed on front turn-ins, spine with raised bands and lettered in gilt, front covers with illustrations after E. H. Shepard in coloured onlays, covers with gilt fillet borders, gilt edges, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers, original cloth bound in at end together with original pictorial endpapers when issued. Housed in a custom red cloth slipcase. Illustrated throughout by E. H. Shepard. Spines very slightly sunned, minor browning to the top of a few leaves in The House at Pooh Corner, some leaves lightly toned, slipcase rubbed at extremities; a near-fine and attractive set.
Seller: Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United Kingdom
Price: US$19500.00 + shipping
Description: "People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day. Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering." A Fine First Edition Set of the Four "Pooh" Books in their Original Dust Jackets MILNE, A[lan] A[lexander]. SHEPARD, Ernest H., illustrator. [The Four Pooh Books]. When We Were Very Young. With Decorations by Ernest H. Shepard. London: Methuen & Co., [1924]. First edition (second issue with p. ix numbered). Small octavo (7 1/2 x 5 inches; 190 x 127 mm.). x, [2], 99, [1] pp. Numerous text illustrations. Publisher's dark blue cloth, gilt ruled front cover pictorially stamped in gilt, back cover pictorially stamped in gilt, spine lettered in gilt, plain endpapers, top edge gilt. Minimal rubbing to corners and spine extremities. Neat contemporary ink name and date "November 28th 1924" on front blank. A near fine copy. In the original cream-colored pictorial dust jacket printed in dark blue. Jacket spine with minimal browning and a few tiny chips to head and tail of spine with no loss of text. [Together with:] MILNE, A[lan] A[lexander]. Winnie-the-Pooh. With Decorations by Ernest H. Shepard. London: Methuen & Co., [1926]. First edition. Small octavo (7 1/2 x 5 inches; 190 x 127 mm.). xi, [5], 158, [2] pp. Numerous text illustrations. Publisher's dark green cloth, gilt ruled front cover pictorially stamped in gilt, spine lettered in gilt, pictorial endpapers, top edge gilt. Slight discoloration from jacket on free-endpapers. Neat near contemporary ink name and date "January 11th 1927" on front blank. A near fine copy. In the original yellow-colored pictorial dust jacket printed in dark blue. Jacket spine with minimal browning and minimal wear to head and tail of spine with no loss of text. [And:] MILNE, A[lan] A[lexander]. Now We Are Six. With Decorations by Ernest H. Shepard. London: Methuen & Co., [1927]. First edition. Small octavo (7 1/2 x 5 inches; 190 x 127 mm.). x, [2], 103, [1] pp. Numerous text illustrations. Publisher's maroon cloth, gilt ruled front cover pictorially stamped in gilt, spine lettered in gilt, pink pictorial endpapers, top edge gilt. Minimal rubbing to corners and spine extremities. A near fine copy. In the original pale green-colored pictorial dust jacket printed in dark blue. Jacket spine with minimal browning and a small chip to head of spine with no loss of text. [And:] MILNE, A[lan] A[lexander]. The House at Pooh Corner. With Decorations by Ernest H. Shepard. London: Methuen & Co., [1928]. First edition. Small octavo (7 1/2 x 5 inches; 190 x 127 mm.). xi, [1, blank], 178, [2] pp. Numerous text illustrations. Publisher's salmon cloth gilt ruled front cover pictorially stamped in gilt, spine lettered in gilt, pictorial endpapers, top edge gilt. Minimal discoloration from jacket on free-endpapers. Original peach pictorial endpapers printed in black. A near fine copy in the original salmon pictorial dust jacket printed in dark blue. Jacket spine with minimal browning and one tiny chip to tail of spine and one very small (3/8 inch) closed neat tape repair to lower back panel with no loss of text. A near fine and quite wonderful set of this 'Children's Classic' housed together in a pale orange cloth clamshell case with printed label on spine. Alan Alexander Milne (1882-1956) was an English writer who was best known for his children's stories about the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh. After attending the University of Cambridge's Trinity College and writing for the literary magazines Granta and Punch, Milne began a successful career as a novelist, poet and playwright in the 1920s. His best-known works are his two collections of children's poetry, When We Were Young and Now We Are Six, and his two books of stories about the lovable bear Winnie-the-Pooh and his animal friends. Ernest Howard Shepard (1879-1976) was an English artist and book illustrator. He is known especially for illustrations of the anthropomorphic animal and soft toy characters in The Wind in the Willows and The Pooh Books. Throughout the first world war he had been contributing to Punch. He was hired as a regular staff cartoonist in 1921 and became lead cartoonist in 1945. Shepard was recommended to A. A. Milne in 1923 by another Punch staffer, E. V. Lucas. Milne initially thought Shepard's style was not what he wanted, but used him to illustrate the book of poems When We Were Very Young. Happy with the results, Milne then insisted Shepard illustrate Winnie-the-Pooh, Now we Are Six and The House at Pooh Corner. Realizing his illustrator's contribution to the book's success, the writer arranged for Shepard to receive a share of his royalties. Shepard modeled Pooh not on the toy owned by Milne's son Christopher Robin but on "Growler", a stuffed bear owned by his own son. His Pooh work is so famous that 300 of his preliminary sketches were exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1969, when he was 90 years old.
Seller: David Brass Rare Books, Inc., Calabasas, CA, U.S.A.
Price: US$20000.00 + shipping
Description: First editions of each work in Milne's wonderful Pooh quartet. Octavo, original cloth, pictorial endpapers, top edge gilt. Winnie the Pooh is signed by A.A. Milne on the title page. When We Were Very Young if a first edition, second issue as usual with page ix numbered. Each are fine in very good dust jackets with some loss and wear to the extremities and light toning. Illustrated by Ernest Shepard. An exceptional set, most rare and desirable with Winnie the Pooh signed by Milne. âAlthough Alan Alexander Milne wrote novels, short stories, poetry and many plays for adults, in addition to his work as assistant editor for Punch from 1906 to 1914, it is his writings for children that have captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide and granted Milne everlasting fameâ (Silvey, 461). Milne wrote most of these poems at the request of friend and fellow poet Rose Fyleman, who was planning a new childrenâs magazine. âOn a rain-blighted holiday in Wales, [Milne] escaped from the crowd of fellow guests to the summerhouse, and for 11 days wrote a set of childrenâs verses, one each day⦠âThere on the other side of the lawn was a child with whom I had lived for three years [his son, Christopher Robin]⦠and here within me were unforgettable memories of my own childhood.â He added more verses when he got home, enough for a book, and allowed some to be published in advance in Punchâ (Carpenter & Prichard, 351). Shepard, a Punch staff artist at the time, provided delightful line vignettes, resulting in âa wonderful marriage of verse and vision. His delicately precise and fresh drawings had an instant appealâ (DNB).
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
Price: US$22500.00 + shipping
Description: First editions of each work in Milne's wonderful Pooh quartet. Octavo, original cloth, pictorial endpapers, top edge gilt. Each are fine in near fine to fine dust jackets. Illustrated by Ernest Shepard. Housed in a custom full morocco clamshell box with Winnie the Pooh inlay to the front panel. An exceptional set, most rare and desirable in this condition. âAlthough Alan Alexander Milne wrote novels, short stories, poetry and many plays for adults, in addition to his work as assistant editor for Punch from 1906 to 1914, it is his writings for children that have captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide and granted Milne everlasting fameâ (Silvey, 461). Milne wrote most of these poems at the request of friend and fellow poet Rose Fyleman, who was planning a new childrenâs magazine. âOn a rain-blighted holiday in Wales, [Milne] escaped from the crowd of fellow guests to the summerhouse, and for 11 days wrote a set of childrenâs verses, one each day⦠âThere on the other side of the lawn was a child with whom I had lived for three years [his son, Christopher Robin]⦠and here within me were unforgettable memories of my own childhood.â He added more verses when he got home, enough for a book, and allowed some to be published in advance in Punchâ (Carpenter & Prichard, 351). Shepard, a Punch staff artist at the time, provided delightful line vignettes, resulting in âa wonderful marriage of verse and vision. His delicately precise and fresh drawings had an instant appealâ (DNB).
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
MILNE, A.A.. [Four Pooh Books]. Methuen & Co, London, 1924.
Price: US$22500.00 + shipping
Description: The [Four Pooh Books]. London: Methuen & Co., 1924. Full Description: MILNE, A.A. SHEPARD, Ernest H., [illustrator]. [The Four Pooh Books]. London: Methuen & Co., 1924, 1926, 1927, 1928. MILNE, A[lan] A[lexander]. When We Were Very Young. London: Methuen & Co., [1924]. First edition. Small octavo. (7 1/2 x 5 inches; 190 x 124 mm). x, [2], 99, [1] pp. With decorations by Ernest H. Shepard. Original royal blue cloth, front cover pictorially stamped and ruled in gilt, back cover pictorially stamped in gilt with spine ruled and lettered in gilt. Top edge gilt. About Fine copy with previous owner's old ink inscription dated 1927 tipped in on front pastedown. Some toning to endpapers. In an about fine dust jacket that a few smudges. Top of jacket a bit rubbed and two quarter-inch closed tears to top edge of back panel. Previous owner's small pencil note at top of front panel. Also in original glassine, which is fragile and with a few tears. [And:] MILNE, A[lan] A[lexander]. Winnie-the-Pooh. London: Methuen & Co., [1926]. First edition. Small octavo. (7 1/2 x 5 inches; 190 x 124 mm). [i-viii], ix-xi, [5], 158, [2] pp. With decorations by Ernest H. Shepard. Original dark green cloth, front cover ruled and pictorially stamped in gilt and spine ruled and lettered in gilt; top edge gilt. With pictorial endpapers. Some minor foxing to fore-edge. Original pictorial dust jacket. A fine copy of the book in a very solid near fine dust jacket. Also in original glassine, which is fragile and with a few tears. [And:] MILNE, A[lan] A[lexander]. Now We Are Six. London: Methuen & Co., [1927]. First edition. Small octavo. (7 1/2 x 5 inches; 190 x 124 mm). [i-vi], vii-x, [2], 103, [1] pp. With decorations by Ernest H. Shepard. Original dark red cloth, front cover ruled and pictorially stamped in gilt, rear cover pictorially stamped in gilt, and spine ruled and lettered in gilt. Top edge gilt, with pink pictorial endpapers. Previous owner's old ink inscription, dated 1927 on front free endpaper. Original pictorial dust jacket. A fine copy of the book in an almost fine dust jacket. Jacket with minor toning to the spine. A small chip to the bottom front panel. Two tiny closed tears to edges of back panel. Front flap with a unobtrusive small closed tear. Head of spine with some minor rubbing and previous owner's small pencil note to top of front panel. Still almost fine jacket. [And:] MILNE, A[lan] A[lexander]. The House at Pooh Corner. London: Methuen & Co., [1928]. First edition. Small octavo. (7 1/2 x 5 inches, 190 x 124 mm). xi, [1], 178, [2] pp. Signed by Milne and Shepard on title-page. With decorations by Ernest H. Shepard. Original salmon cloth, front cover pictorially stamped and ruled in gilt, and spine lettered and ruled in gilt. Top edge gilt. Pictorial endpapers. Original pictorial dust jacket. A fine copy in a just about fine dust jacket with slight rubbing at head of the spine. Overall about fine. Also in original glassine, which is fragile and with a few tears. A near fine set, all in original pictorial dust jackets. Signed by Milne and Shepard on The House at Pooh Corner. Enclosed is also a bill of sale for Chas J. Sawyer LTD from the year 1966 which shows these have all been together as a set for a long time. All books housed in a custom cloth clamshell. HBS 69013. $22,500.
Seller: Heritage Book Shop, ABAA, Beverly Hills, CA, U.S.A.
Price: US$63702.11 + shipping
Description: First editions, first impressions, each signed by Milne and Shepard on the title pages. Christopher Robin's stuffed bear, bought at Harrods for his first birthday, was known initially as Edward or Edward Bear. It was renamed Winnie-the-Pooh after two real animals: a favourite bear cub at London Zoo, "Winnie", and a friend's swan which Robin christened "Pooh". The toy inspired the "Teddy Bear" poem in When We Were Very Young (1924) and a story Milne contributed to the London Evening News, "The Wrong Sort of Bees", which later provided the basis of the first chapter in Milne's follow-up book, Winnie-the-Pooh (1926). This story collection was an immediate success and garnered even more enthusiastic reviews than its poetic predecessor. Now We Are Six followed in 1927 and took just two months to eclipse the sales records of the previous two books. The final book, The House at Pooh Corner (1928), was received with a delight tinged with sadness. "The Times Literary Supplement, although it congratulated Milne on deciding to avoid 'the temptation to repeat his successful formula mechanically', said: 'It is sad to see the stories end'" (Thwaite, p. 336). When We Were Very Young is in the second state, as usual, with page ix numbered. The dust jacket for Winnie-the-Pooh is in the first state, with "117th Thousand" on the rear flap. Ann Thwaite, A. A. Milne: His Life, 1990. 4 works, octavo. Original blue, green, red, and pink cloth, spines lettered in gilt, front covers with pictorial designs and ruled borders in gilt, final three works with illustrated endpapers, top edges gilt. With dust jackets. Housed in a red half morocco solander box by Sangorski & Sutcliffe. Illustrated with line drawings throughout by Shepard. Armorial bookplate on front pastedowns of Cecil Francis Joseph Beausire (1898-1972), a noted art collector who bequeathed his English watercolours to the Walker Art Gallery. Cloth and gilt bright, slight lean to spines, spine ends and corners rubbed, usual browning to free endpapers; unclipped jackets a little nicked and soiled, mild toning to spines, vertical crease to rear panel of When We Were Very Young: a near-fine set in like jackets.
Seller: Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United Kingdom