Children's Books
A timeless selection of first edition books of adventure, fairy tales, rebels with and without causes and rollicking tales for children and young people. All of them, first editions and rare children's books - many are signed and inscribed copies, with deluxe and collectable books written for children. First editions of children’s classics, including Roald Dahl, Beatrix Potter, J. K. Rowling, Kenneth Grahame and Raymond Briggs.
Few books leave such a long-lasting impression on us as the books we read as children. These books capture our imaginations, inspire us, and leave us with fond memories for years to come. However, children’s books are easily damaged over time, especially those that have been well-loved and read over and over again, adding to the rarity of finding limited edition children's books in good overall condition. Vintage children’s books often have some cultural value, and for many are a way to revisit the whimsy and joy that books from our childhood give us. The first edition children's books in our collection range from well-known classics, to short story collections, poetry and anthologies, to modern novels and adventures. The collection also includes a number of unique signed copies, that make these first editions that bit more special. As well as this, many rare children's books contain particular illustrations or artwork that add to the beauty and value of the book.
In our collection of modern children’s first edition books we have collections by authors and illustrators, such as several short stories by Michael Foreman, the award winning UK author known for his bright watercolour and beautiful illustration. These books are in excellent condition, and some of them are signed copies, adding to the unique nature of these editions.
Among our rare children's books we also have the UK proof copies of the beloved children’s series Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. These books are the original unedited proof copies, and very singular in nature. Proof copies tend to be released before publication, and before they have been reviewed, and necessary editing or changes have been made. Proof copies are often not sold widely, making them even more rare and interesting when they are found.
For younger readers, we also have modern children’s rare books, including several different first editions of David Walliams’s novels, all in excellent condition. David Walliams is known for his characteristic humorous style, and his books have become extremely popular, making him one of the fastest-growing children’s authors in the UK.
For older readers, there are also a number of young adult books in the collection. Included in our limited edition children's books, we also have first editions of Charlie Higson Young Bond series, included signed copies and original uncorrected proof editions.
Some of our vintage children's books with illustrations include several unique versions of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Each of these copies is distinctive in itself, featuring various illustrations by different artists, some of them being signed by the illustrator. Each of these different versions takes a particular approach and art style when tackling the surreal world of the novels, producing a memorable and singular edition each time, and making each one a valuable children's book because of its unique artwork and style.
Another set of antiquarian children's books that we have are several of Arthur Ransome’s novels. Arthur Ransome is best known for writing Swallows and Amazons, but also many sequels, among other children’s adventure stories. His work is generally beloved for its lightheartedness and adventurous spirit, particularly in displaying children enjoying spending time outdoors and learning new skills, and is representative of a particular vein of children’s writing at the time.
Some of the shorter works in the collection include anthologies of short stories, or individual tales, along with poetry and nursery rhymes. One of the fine and rare children’s books in this category is an artistic copy of Hans Christian Andersen’s original fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, published by the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and featuring illustrations by Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. In addition to being one of the most beloved short stories, this copy is especially unique and noteworthy because of the interesting interpretation that the illustration takes. Another more vintage children's book in this collection is Old Nurse’s Book of Rhymes, Jingles, and Ditties, a very early piece of children’s literature by Victorian illustrator Charles H Bennett, with this revised issue being illustrated in colour and beautifully bound. The book features a variety of well-known nursery rhymes, which have been well-beloved through the years, and is emblematic of its particular era of children’s writing.
