The Wind in the Willows. With an Introduction by A. A. Milne.

RACKHAM, Arthur (illus.); GRAHAME, Kenneth.

Published by New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1940

About this Item

First Rackham edition, number 703 of 2,020 numbered copies signed by the designer Bruce Rogers. Perhaps the most attractive of all the editions of Grahame's classic: the production merges the typography and design of Bruce Rogers with the artwork of Arthur Rackham. This was the final book Rackham illustrated, as he died shortly before publication. The Inside Story, a newletter issued by The Limited Editions Club, notes in their September 1940 issue that Grahame had originally asked Rackham to illustrate the work after the original book publication "had a slow beginning". Rackham refused due to pressure of other work. The Limited Editions Club therefore stated with some pride that Rackham signed a contract with them in the summer of 1936. The colour plates were printed in the U. K. "During his last illness Rackham worked on illustrations to Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, a book for which he had a strong affection, and which he had longed for years to illustrate. The resulting pictures (the edition was published posthumously in 1940) are among his most affecting works, replete with wit, invention, and carefully controlled emotion" (ODNB). Riall, p. 197. Quarto (284 x 202 mm). With 16 colour illustrations by Rackham. Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in dark green morocco, spine lettered and decorated in gilt, raised bands, single rule to boards gilt, pictorial onlay of Badger, Rat, and Mole on front cover, twin rule to turn-ins gilt, purple endpapers, top edge gilt, others untrimmed. A fine copy.

Seller Inventory # 163506

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Wind in the Willows. With an Introduction by A. A. Milne.
• Publisher: New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1940
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)