The Little White Bird, by J. M. Barrie (first appearance of Peter Pan), Hodder and Stoughton, 1902 first edition

A first edition of the work which first introduced Peter Pan to the world. Originally published in 1902, The Little White Bird marks the first appearance of Barrie's famous character, who features in the central chapters set in Kensington Gardens. These chapters were later expanded into Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens (1906), before the character achieved worldwide fame in the play Peter Pan; or, The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up (1904). An important milestone in the history of children's literature.

The Little White Bird, by J. M. Barrie.

Published by Hodder and Stoughton, London, 1902. First edition, first impression.

An entry level copy of this significant first edition. Only in fair condition - black cloth hardback with gilt titles to spine. Covers scuffed, rubbed and bumped, and endpapers cracked to webbing at inner hinges. Binding is only loose with 3 leaves at the front now detached. Another gathering elsewhere in the book is only loosely attached.

Previous owner’s signature to first free blank endpaper. Some offsetting to endpapers. Text pages are bright and clean with some mild age toning.

With guarded frontispiece ‘Child’s Map of Kensington Gardens’ preceding the title. Top edge of text block gilt.

A well-worn but complete first edition of considerable literary importance, offered as an affordable example of the work that first introduced Peter Pan. Priced to reflect its condition.

Text in English.

viii + 312pp.

Dimensions: each volume approx 195mm high x 140mm wide x 41mm deep.

Weight: approximately 558g (unpacked).