Description: The Story of Doctor DolittleLOFTING, Hugh Publisher: Frederick A. Stokes CompanyLocation: New York, NYDate: 1920Binding: Octavo, full-bound cloth with paper illustration to front.Edition: FIRST EDITIONPrinting: 8th Printing Description:SIGNED & INSCRIBED. First Edition, Eight Printing of Hugh Lofting's classic children's story, The Story of Doctor Dolittle. Presentation copy neatly signed and inscribed to the recipient on the first free page, "with the Author's / Sincere Regards / Hugh Lofting / November 1922." A very nice example. Hugh Lofting was "creator of the most famous vet of all time (pace James Herriot)—and what a wonderfully sane loony Dr. Dolittle is. The books are absolutely irresistible and deathless—as well as being immensely stylish… Very much collected, as is right and proper" (Connolly, Children's Modern First Editions, 189). Asked about the genesis of Doctor Dolittle, Lofting stated that he came up with the idea during World War I. He recalled: "It was during the Great War and my children at home wanted letters from me—and they wanted them with illustrations rather than without. There seemed to be very little of interest to write to youngsters from the Front: the news was either too horrible or too dull… One thing, however, that kept forcing itself more and more on my attention was the very considerable part the animals were playing in the World War" (Firsts). After being injured in the war, Lofting used his letters to compile a book. With the help of fellow writer Cecil Roberts, whom Lofting met on a trip home to the United States, Hugh Lofting secured publication at Frederick A. Stokes in New York. Soon after, he became one of the most celebrated children's authors of all time. Peter Parley to Penrod, 138. Condition:Binding tight with moderate slant. Original full-bound cloth boards with paper illustrated front present mostly clean and unmarked with only some mild darkening, more so to edges, a white mark to rear with a few very faint water spots, and fading to spine. Light rubbing to corners, more moderate to head and foot of spine with some tiny tears and fraying to latter. Light folds to a couple corners and a few very tiny bumps to edges. Text blocks tanned with light spotting. Internally unmarked and mostly clean but for light to moderate spotting throughout and article cut-out affixed to copyright page and opposite list of illustrations. Presentation copy neatly signed and inscribed to the recipient, "Harold Robbins ____" on the first free page, "with the Author's / Sincere Regards / Hugh Lofting / November 1922." Original dust jacket presents fairly well. Panels show light spotting, some moderate shelf-wear with rubbing that impacts title to front and some faint stains. Chipping to corners and head and foot of spine with some light loss. Hinges a bit darkened. Very small nick about top center spine. Flaps clean with moderate wear to top edges. A very nice example.
Price: 1335 USD
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
End Time: 2024-09-14T21:41:28.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6.13 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Binding: Hardcover
Place of Publication: New York, NY
Signed: Yes
Publisher: Frederick A. Stokes Company
Modified Item: Yes
Subject: Literature & Fiction
Original/Facsimile: Original
Language: English
Special Attributes: First Edition, Original Binding, Signed, 1st Edition, Inscribed
Region: North America
Author: Hugh Lofting
Personalized: Yes
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Topic: Classics