The Diverting History of John Gilpin. Showing how he went farther than he intended and came home safe again. With many illustrations by Ronald Searle.

[London] [Sir Allen Lane and Richard Lane at the Chiswick Press] 1952

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First edition with these illustrations. Original grey wrappers. One of 1600 copies. This is a presentation copy. Signed in dedication by the illustrator, Ronald Searle. It is inscribed on the FFEP with a message from Ronald Searle and his wife Kaye to his friend Leonard Russell and his wife, dated Christmas 1952. Leonard Russell was an English journalist and satirist, well known as editor of the annual miscellany known as 'The Saturday Book'. No printer identified, but assume same as other copies available. [3] 44 [2] pages. 295 x 220 mm (11œ x 8Ÿ inches). Wrappers are a little age toned / grubby. There has been damage to the book from dampness, which has particularly affected the inside back cover, and the last two pages. Overall a good early presentation copy.