Books

First edition, first printing, of this beautifully illustrated classic of children's literature, presented here in a fine binding with an onlay of Stuart Little himself. This best-selling work was the author's first children's novel, preceding Charlotte's Web by seven years. The author stated that the idea for the main character was revealed to him in a dream: "Stuart Little came into being as the result of a Journey I once made. In the late Twenties, I took a train to Virginia. then returned to New York by rail. While asleep in an upper berth, I dreamed of a small character who had the features of a mouse, was nicely dressed, courageous and questing. When I woke up. I made a few notes about this mouse-child - the only fictional figure ever to have honored and disturbed my sleep" (quoted in Scott, p. 253). E. Scott, E. B. White, A Biography, 1986. Octavo (187 x 129 mm). Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in bright blue morocco, spine lettered in gilt, two raised bands ruled in gilt, multi-coloured pictorial onlay of Stuart Little on front cover, single gilt rule on covers and board edges, twin gilt rule on turn-ins, red endpapers, edges gilt. Illustrated throughout by Garth Williams. A fine copy.

Stuart Little is a children's novel written by E.B. White, first published in 1945 by Harper & Brothers. The story follows a small, anthropomorphic mouse born to a human family, and chronicles his adventures in New York City. The character of Stuart Little was based on a dream White had. The novel's realistic New York City setting and anthropomorphized characters make it a distinctive example of American children's literature. Garth Williams provided the book's original illustrations, which contributed to its charm and success.