A unique copy inscribed by the author. Presentation copy, inscribed to front endpaper 'For Pippa Goodhart, from Joey and me, Michael Morpurgo'. With a loosely inserted postcard inscribed from Michael Morpurgo to Pippa Goodhart enclosing the signed book 'Dear Pippa, here it is, duly signed for you. Glad you have a copy. They are quite rare, publishers printed very few & they didn't sell! All best, Michael'. Also a letter of provenance from Goohart relating how the book's title was removed and sent back to the publisher due to a fault (in this case the small tear at the gutter) and a replacement leaf sent back, in this case just a half title, and subsequent history.

The scarce first edition of the book that was to serve as an inspiration for both an award-winning stage-play (2007) and an acclaimed film adaptation (2011) by Steven Spielberg. The story recounts the experiences of Joey, a horse purchased by the Army for service in First World War France and the attempts of young Albert, his previous owner, to bring him safely home. Morpurgo wrote a sequel in 1997 called Farm Boy, which was also successfully dramatised.

Much like the first Harry Potter book, this edition was not issued with a dust-jacket and many copies seem to have gone into the public or school library system.

First edition, first impression, inscribed by the author to front free endpaper, with a loosely inserted post-card aslo inscribed by the author; 8vo (185 x 135 mm); title removed, small tear at gutter at front (see notes); publisher's pictorial boards by Victor Ambrus without dust-jacket, as issued, slight toning to spine, bright example, otherwise very good.