First edition, first printing, with code "I-U" on copyright page of the author's classic work. Octavo, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery, gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt inner dentelles stamp-signed by the Harcourt Bindery, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Boldly signed by E.B. White on a page bound in.� In fine condition. An exceptional presentation. "The story had been brewing with White for years as a disconnected series of bedtime tales for his nieces and nephews by the time it came to Harper. There, shepherded by the distinguished editor Ursula Nordstrom and felicitously illustrated [with 87 drawings] by Garth Williams, the book was eventually published-generally to high acclaim The book sounds a resonant note as Stuart undertakes his quest for the beautiful bird, Margalo. And that quest, as White himself noted, symbolizes the continuing journey that everybody takes in search of what is perfect and unattainable. This is perhaps too elusive an idea to put into a children s book, but I put it in anyway" (Silvey, 677).