New York: Harper & Row, 1952. Reprint. Fine in near-fine jacket.. Inscribed later printing of the modern children's classic, an exploration of innocence and change, death and courage. One spider's efforts to save a pig from slaughter charmed audiences immediately upon publication, showing that "that human beings must always be on the watch for the coming of wonders." The book was published by Harper under the editorship of Ursula Nordstrom, who was the primary force in fashioning modern children's literature away from morality and education towards imagination and affection. While the inscription is in a later reprint likely dating from the time it was signed (1983), White was not known for signing many books, making this is a special copy. Newbery Honor Award. 8'' x 5''. Original full tan cloth, front board and spine stamped in blue with illustrated title. Original pictorial dust jacket. Blue web-patterned endpapers. Illustrated with black-and-white line drawings by Garth…