1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1966.
First editions of the first seven titles in the Paddington Bear series. A beautifully presented set of the first seven titles in the Paddington Bear books, all first editions, including the scare first title; A Bear Called Paddington. More than 25 further titles followed.
'I bought a small toy bear on Christmas Eve 1956. I saw it left on a shelf in a London store and felt sorry for it. I took it home as a present for my wife Brenda and named it Paddington as we were living near Paddington Station at the time. I wrote some stories about the bear, more for fun than with the idea of having them published. After ten days I found that I had a book on my hands. It wasn't written specifically for children, but I think I put into it the kind things I liked reading about when I was young.' (The Author). More than 25 Paddington titles followed.
NB. The set does not include 'The Adventures of Paddington' (1965) since this was a reprint of the first two titles.
First editions; 7 vols, 8vo (210 x 140 mm); all illustrated by Peggy Fortnum, the first title with a recurring peripheral spot to fore-edge of Contents page and pages 7-12, else fine; the second title, a few minor, faint spots to margins of preliminary and terminal leaves, else fine; the fourth title with a faint mark to lower margin of Contents page, else fine; the residual titles are internally fine; modern bindings of full, alternating crimson and blue full morocco, with a silver block of Paddington to each front cover, blue endpapers and all edges silvered, preserved in a custom-made blue cloth slip-case, a fine looking set.
'I bought a small toy bear on Christmas Eve 1956. I saw it left on a shelf in a London store and felt sorry for it. I took it home as a present for my wife Brenda and named it Paddington as we were living near Paddington Station at the time. I wrote some stories about the bear, more for fun than with the idea of having them published. After ten days I found that I had a book on my hands. It wasn't written specifically for children, but I think I put into it the kind things I liked reading about when I was young.' (The Author). More than 25 Paddington titles followed.
NB. The set does not include 'The Adventures of Paddington' (1965) since this was a reprint of the first two titles.
First editions; 7 vols, 8vo (210 x 140 mm); all illustrated by Peggy Fortnum, the first title with a recurring peripheral spot to fore-edge of Contents page and pages 7-12, else fine; the second title, a few minor, faint spots to margins of preliminary and terminal leaves, else fine; the fourth title with a faint mark to lower margin of Contents page, else fine; the residual titles are internally fine; modern bindings of full, alternating crimson and blue full morocco, with a silver block of Paddington to each front cover, blue endpapers and all edges silvered, preserved in a custom-made blue cloth slip-case, a fine looking set.
About us
Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.
Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.
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