The Tale of Mr. Tod

London: Frederick Warne and Co, 1912. First edition. Hardback. Good Only. 5.5" by 4". Beatrix Potter. The first edition of this charming tale by Beatrix Potter, following a kidnapping of the children of Benjamin Bunny and Flopsy. The first edition, one of the first or second printings which are indistinguishable from one another, with the dedication reading 'William Francis' rather than 'Francis William'.'The Tale of Mr Tod' follows archenemies Tommy Brock the badger and the fox Mr. Tod, after Brock kidnaps the children of Benjamin Bunny and Flopsy, hiding them in the oven of Mr. Tod's house.This tale is the first published in the new larger format in a more elaborate binding, despite Potter's disapproval of the style.Beautifully illustrated in colour in Potter's typical style, with fourteen colour plates, and monochrome in-text illustrations.Collated, bound without the frontispiece. In the original publisher's paper covered boards. Externally, the rear board is cocked and dampstained. Smaller tide mark to the front board. Lacking the backstrip. Aged tape to the joints. Minor bumping to the extremities. Hinges are starting but firm. Rear endpaper is adhered a small amount to the head of the rear paste down. Internally, generally firmly bound. Pages are very lightly age toned and clean with a few minor handling marks, and scattered spots. Prior owner's ink inscription to the half-title. Good Only