POTTER, Beatrix

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Middlesex: Frederick Warne & Co., 1993. Item #06618

The Tale of Peter Rabbit - The Story in Its Three Earliest Forms
A Deluxe Centenary Facsimile Set, Limited to 750 Copies

POTTER, Beatrix. The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Middlesex: Frederick Warne & Co., 1993.

Limited commemorative edition, one of 750 copies, this being no. 470, issued to mark the centenary of the earliest incarnation of the Peter Rabbit story.

Two small quarto volumes (5 1/2 x 4 1/8 inches; 140 x 104 mm.).

A Three-Part Facsimile of a Children’s Classic in the Making. This finely produced boxed set traces the evolution of Potter’s most famous work through three key stages: The original illustrated letter sent by Potter to Noel Moore (1893), containing the first appearance of the Peter Rabbit story; The privately printed first edition (1901), issued at Potter’s own expense; The first published edition (1902), in its deluxe yellow cloth binding by Frederick Warne. Also included is an explanatory booklet detailing the history of the work’s creation and publication.

All elements are preserved within a blue cloth clamshell case, decoratively gilt and fitted with a brass clasp, the contents secured with ribbon and protected by a monogrammed tissue guard. A fine, as-new example.

This elegant centenary production offers a rare opportunity to view the complete genesis of The Tale of Peter Rabbit - from private correspondence to self-publication, and finally to its emergence as one of the most beloved works in children’s literature. By presenting the story in its original forms, the set provides both collectors and scholars with a compelling visual narrative of Potter’s creative process.

Limited to just 750 copies, these centenary sets are increasingly sought after, particularly in fine condition with all components intact.

Price: $500.00