- Hardcover
- Used
Seller: Baker books, Near Lewes, East Sussex, United KingdomBaker books
AbeBooks seller since March 19, 2026
Condition: Used - Good
£ 95.00
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Benjamin and the Box is the book that introduced Alan Baker’s most famous character, Benjamin the Hamster, in 1977. It also established Baker’s signature style: soft, finely detailed fur textures set against a stark white background that puts all the focus on the character. In this debut story, Benjamin tries a series of humorous methods—using tools, a bit of “magic,” and plenty of trial and error—to open a mysterious sealed box, only to discover a simple and charming surprise inside. As the first book in the series (which includes Benjamin's Dreadful Dream, Benjamin's Portrait, and Benjamin's Balloon), it is the most collectible. A signed copy in “Fine” condition with its original dust jacket is especially rare. Condition matters a lot with this title. These small children’s books were often heavily used, so copies with bite marks, torn pages, or missing jackets lose significant value—even if signed. A clean, intact dust jacket is key to reaching the higher price range. Binding good, dust jacket slightly yellowed with a small tear on the top right edge, a little spotting on the title page. Priced at £2.50 on the inside of the jacket. This is a prized collector’s piece because it marks the debut of Baker’s most iconic character. For collectors of 20th-century children’s books, it holds particular importance as the starting point of a beloved series. A copy that includes a signature, dust jacket, and an original felt-tip drawing or dedication is considered top-tier, essentially turning the book into a one-of-a-kind work of art. There’s also what collectors call a “series starter” premium. The first book in a successful series is usually the most sought-after, and Benjamin and the Box is no exception. It introduced Baker’s distinctive minimalist style and set the tone for everything that followed. Signed copies are becoming increasingly hard to find on the secondary market, especially in strong condition. …
Seller Inventory # ABE-1774518778713
- Title
- Benjamin and the Box
- Author
- Alan Baker
- Publisher
- Andre Deutsch, London
- Publication year
- 1977
- Condition
- Good
- Dust jacket
- Fair
- Signed
- Inscribed by Illustrator(s)
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0233968954
- ISBN 13
- 9780233968957
- Illustrator
- Alan Baker
- Item weight
- 198 grams
- Dimensions
- 22 centimeters width by 17.5 centimeters height by 1 centimeter depth
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Baker books
Near Lewes, East Sussex, United Kingdom
AbeBooks seller since March 19, 2026
Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
| Item | 14 to 45 business days | 5 to 10 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 4.10 | £ 8.85 |
Payment methods
Store description
Alan Baker is an award winning illustrator having written and illustrated over 40 Children's books, as well as having illustrated books by Michael Rosen, Joni Mitchell, Louis DeBerniers. He has worked as a full-time freelance illustrator since 1976, covering all aspects of the industry from , advertising, packaging, editorial [Guardian, Sunday Times, Observer ] and poster art etc. He has received awards for eleven of this books, including such obscure ones as ‘Best Bug Book’ for illustrating Joni Mitchel’s ‘Both sides now”- [ Y.E.S. award of excellence 1992 USA]. Two IRA/CBC Children’s choice awards [USA. - White Rabbit’s colour book and Grey Rabbit’s Odd One Out]. Michael Rosen's Hairy Tales and Nursery Crimes - {No 1 best seller– 1985 and Mini Beasties, a poetry anthology}. He also illustrated Philippa Pearce's [The battle of Bubble and Squeak {Whitbread award winner in 1979} and Louis de Bernieres [ Red Dog {-V&A Illustration award nomination in 2002} and Blue Dog [2016]. For Freelance illustration, In 1984, he received the Benson and Hedges illustrators gold award, and also won the Gold creative circle award and Silver Campaign Press awards for advertising in 1990, and was the creative match Flair illustrator of the month in November 2004. He won first prize in the German Bayer 'fungus' competition in the 1980s and also has had various illustrations selected for the 'Best of British' and 'Best of European illustrators' annuals and exhibitions. He has exhibited in the Royal Academy, The National Theatre, The ICA, and performed at the Tate Modern as well as having various exhibitions in Europe and Scandinavia.…
Specialty
mainly antiqueSeller's business information
Baker books
United Kingdom
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