1922 Rare First Edition - Little Tom by Václav Tille illustrated by Otakar Štafl

Author: Prof. V. Tille.
Title: Little Tom.
Publisher: Prague, B. Kočí, 1922. First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 10 x 8.5 inches.
Pages: 134 pages.
Binding: Attractive and near fine original illustrated boards with olive green cloth spine (hinges fine - as shown) in the very good original brown printed glassine dust jacket (small tears and chips - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Near fine content (bright, tight and clean - as shown).
Illustrations: Beautifully illustrated with full-page color plates and in-text color and black and white drawings by painter-academician O. Štafl. (Complete).

Estimate: (USD 150 - 200).

The book: A rare First edition and visually enchanting 1922 Czech children’s book, Little Tom offers a whimsical and allegorical journey through a miniature world of insects, animals, and fairies. Presented as a gentle fable, the story introduces Little Tom, a tiny boy in a big natural world, as he learns life lessons through fantastic adventures. The book blends natural history with fairy tale charm, making it both a collector’s gem and a delightful read for children.

The author: Václav Tille (1867–1937) was a Czech literary scholar, writer, and university professor known for his work in folklore, children's literature, and dramatic arts. Writing under the pen name "Václav Říha," he brought scholarly care to his charming children's stories, always rooting them in cultural symbolism and moral depth.

The illustrator: Otakar Štafl (1884–1945) was a noted Czech painter and illustrator, celebrated for his fine detail and vibrant color work. A trained academic artist, Štafl was particularly skilled at capturing both realism and whimsy, as seen in the richly imaginative illustrations of Little Tom. His ability to bring to life both flora and fauna, along with expressive insect characters, adds a magical quality to the narrative.