GRAHAME, Kenneth (1859-1932). The Wind in the Willows, London, 1950, large 8vo, 12 coloured plates by Arthur Rackham, illustrations, original green cloth gilt, dust-jacket (frayed at edges). FIRST U.K. RACKHAM TRADE EDITION.

GRAHAME, Kenneth (1859-1932) & Arthur RACKHAM (1867-1939, illustrator).  The Wind in the Willows. London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1950. Large 8vo (232 x 150mm). Half title, 12 coloured plates by Arthur Rackham, illustrations (some light spotting to the half title and title). Original green cloth, the spine lettered in gilt, dust-jacket with price of 21/- unclipped (jacket frayed at edges with slight loss at corners). FIRST U.K. RACKHAM TRADE EDITION. "Kenneth Grahame himself originally asked Arthur Rackham to illustrate his book, but at that time it could not be managed, and it was not until nearly thirty years later that Rackham was approached again, and consented. In the meantime the author had died, and the book had become a classic of the century ... The pictures were finished just as the war broke out in 1939, and were first published in America by the Limited Edition Club. This year we have great pleasure in announcing the 97th edition of The Wind in the Willows, with the illustrations the author did not live to see" (from the front turn-in of the dust-jacket). Hudson p.173; Riall p.200.