Now We Are Six, by A. A. Milne

About the Item

Milne, A.A. (Alan Alexander: 1882–1956). NOW WE ARE SIX. London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1927. First Edition. Crown 8vo, 7 1/2 x 5 in (191 x 125 mm), pp. xi + 103 + colophon. With its ORIGINAL FIRST STATE DUST JACKET (price of 7/6 printed on spine panel) with only light browning on the folds and edges, one 3 mm tear to top edge and 15 mm tear on back flap, minor chipping to top of spine pane and one corner, still excellent overall. Original dark red cloth binding, gilt ruling and stamping on the front board with an illustration of Christopher Robin and toy train, and Pooh with Piglet on the back board; gilt lettering on spine, top edge gilt, rest uncut; illustrated pink end-papers, very light offset end papers, pages inside clean and bright, binding tight with one minor weakness after the first signature. Loosely inserted is the advertisement for exhibition of the original drawing for this book by E. H. Shepard at the Sporting Gallery, London, December 1927. [Haring-Smith C96; Cutler-Stiles p. 116] Condition: Near fine in Near fine dust-jacket. A collection of 35 illustrated poems for children, which Milne dedicated to his young son's (Christopher Robin) love interest: "To Anne Darlington, now she is seven and because she is so speshal (sic)." The Darlingtons were close friends of the Milnes and a marriage between Christopher and Anne had been envisaged, but did not happen, much to the chagrin of Mrs. Darlington. Accompanied by the enchanting drawings of Ernest H. Shepard, whom Milne had met as they both were contributors to Punch. Their collaboration spanned many projects and was fundamental to the success of the series. Several of the poems had previously appeared in different publications, including the New York Evening Post. "Milne wins the appreciation of adults as well as children with his sentimental picture of the reality of childhood." (Saturday Review; 25 Oct. 1927, p. 515). This copy is particularly desirable for its original First State dust jacket with the 7/6 net price on the spine, and its exhibition advertisement.

Dimensions:

Height: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Paper

Place of Origin:

England

Period:

1920-1929

Date of Manufacture:

1927

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.