When We Were Very Young.

Original illustrated manuscript, probably in the hand of one Nancy B. Reeve, of 23 of the 44 poems originally included in the first edition of When we were very young, plus one other, "Dinkie" (which was published in Pear's Annual, 1925, and was later altered by Milne and published under the new title "Binker" in Now We Are Six). The watercolour drawings closely after those of E.H. Shepard; the manuscript in an attractive and well trained early 20th Century uncial hand. 42 leaves. 8vo., original cloth backed boards, the front cover lettered by hand with an attractive small drawing of John putting on his "great big waterproof Mackintosh". "Xmas

A most attractive semi-professional manuscript copy: although very closely modelled on the Shepard originals, these watercolour drawings have life, warmth and vigour. The name of Nancy B. Reeve is on the endpaper, in the same hand as the manuscript, and may be a presentation inscription, but is probably the name of the artist and calligrapher - we have not yet identified her.

The 24 poems (total) include: "Disobedience", "The Four Friends", "Daffodowndilly", "Buckingham Palace", "Hoppity", and "The King's Breakfast".

Board edges a little worn, binding slightly gaping at the first gathering and in the middle, but overall still rather fresh.

Stock Code: 233502