1926 First Deluxe Edition - Winnie-The-Pooh by A. A. Milne and E. H. Shepard
Author: A. A. Milne with decorations by Ernest H. Shepard.
Title: Winnie-the-Pooh
Publisher : London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1926. First Edition, First Printing of the Deluxe Edition.
Language: Text in English
Size: 7,5 "X 5 ".
Pages: xi-158 pages.
Binding: Attractive and near fine original publisher’s deluxe full green leather binding, one of three colours issued (red, green, and blue) for the deluxe edition. Gilt ruled borders with decorative floral corner ornaments to the boards, gilt-lettered and richly gilt-decorated spine with vignette figures, and a gilt vignette of Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh on the front board (hinges fine - as shown, one corner slightly bumped - as shown, gilt decoration very bright, all edges gilt) under a protective removable mylar cover. A rare find for this de luxe edition in any condition! The print run was 3,000 copies divided into three colors of the leather binding: red, green, and blue. This is the green leather variant. One of 1,000 copies of which perhaps a handful exist in this beautiful near-fine condition!
Content: Near fine content (bright. tight and clean, original silk marker present - as shown).
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout by Ernest H. Shepard with numerous in-text line drawings, including full-page illustrations and the iconic map of the Hundred Acre Wood. All illustrations complete and beautifully printed.
Estimate: (USD 2500-3500)
The book: First published in 1926, Winnie-the-Pooh is one of the most beloved works of twentieth-century children’s literature. In addition to the standard trade edition, Methuen issued a limited de luxe edition of only 3,000 copies, divided evenly among three leather binding colors: red, green, and blue. This copy represents the green leather variant, one of only 1,000 produced. Surviving examples are scarce in any condition, and copies retaining fresh leather and clean interiors are particularly rare. Combining literary importance, iconic illustration, and limited production, this deluxe edition stands among the most desirable early Pooh printings.
The author: Alan Alexander Milne (1882–1956) was an English writer, playwright, and essayist whose enduring fame rests on the Winnie-the-Pooh books. Drawing inspiration from his son Christopher Robin, Milne created a world of gentle humor, emotional warmth, and quiet philosophical reflection that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.
The illustrator: Ernest H. Shepard (1879–1976) was a British illustrator whose drawings for Winnie-the-Pooh are inseparable from the book’s identity. Based on Christopher Robin Milne and his toys, Shepard’s illustrations defined the visual language of the Hundred Acre Wood. His work remains among the most recognizable and beloved in the history of illustrated children’s books.