Books

First edition, first impression, inscribed by the author on the title page, "Happy Christmas Hugo, Love, Roald Dahl, 1985, x". Dahl and Blake had achieved considerable success with The Enormous Crocodile in 1978, and this, another picture book for young children, was a worthy successor. Dahl dedicated the work to his three stepdaughters. When Dahl delivered the typescript to his English publisher, Tom Maschler responded with a note stating "Vintage Dahl. And with new aspects as well. What more could one ask?" A review in the Times Literary Supplement noted "there are better things than this in children's literature but this will fill that space where the ego and the libido run riot, where the only relationship is the camaraderie between fellow gluttons". Quarto. Original illustrated boards, spine and front cover lettered in black, dark blue endpapers. No dust jacket issued. Illustrations throughout by Quentin Blake. Minor tears to head and foot of spine, corners slightly rubbed, minor indentations to front cover and edges, minor foxing to title page; a very good and bright copy. .

A delightful and whimsical tale from Roald Dahl, 'The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me' follows the adventures of a young boy who befriends a giraffe, a pelican, and a monkey who run a window-cleaning company. This charming story combines Dahl's magical storytelling with beautiful illustrations by Quentin Blake.