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Tape applied to top of spine, small tear tail edge of spine, Pages are clean. An exceptional copy of the first edition. A true first edition as stated in Beatrix Potter A Bibliographical Check List by Jane Quinby 1954 No. 4. The Tailor of Gloucester. London and New York, 1903. The Tailor Of | Gloucester | By | Beatrix Potter | Author of | "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," "The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin." | "I'll Be At Charges For A Looking Glass; | And Entertain A Score Or Two Of Tailors." | Richard III. | London { Frederick Warne And Co. And New York 1903 [A]l rights reserved] DARK GREEN BOARDS: 5 5/8 X 4 1/4 inches. FRONT COVER stamped m white: "The Tailor Of I Gloucester | By | Beatrix Potter | [within single rule box:] F. Warne & Co" Between the title and the word "By" is a blind panel in the shape of a truncated pyramid outlined in blind in which is pasted a pictorial white paper label measuring 2 9/16 x 2 1/2 inches across the bottom, 7/16 of an inch across the top, showing mouse reading The Tailor and Cutter sitting on a spool of red silk, scissors and thimble in background. SPINE stamped in white, reading down: "The Tailor Of Gloucester". END PAPERS: Plate I. LEAF: 5 3/8 x 4 1/8 inches. COLLATION: SF. Half title: "The Tailor | Of Gloucester.", with letter to "My Dear Freda" (dated Christmas, 1901) on versa; "Copyright 1903 j By | Frederick Warne & Co. | Entered At Stationers' Hall55, on versa of title page; Edmund Evans, | Engraver and Printer, Street, Borough, London, S.E. , p. [86]. The Racquet Court Press, Swan Street, Bourough, | London, S.E.", p. [86]. Pictorial label, frontispiece, and 26 illustrations in colour, appearing on pp. 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32. 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53, 56, 59, 62, 65, 68, 71, 74, 77, 81,and 84. Eleven of these are repeated from No. 3 (see notes on illustrations under No. 3), and 17 (the italicized figures above) are entirely new for this edition, though the original drawing for the manuscript in its first form has a rough sketch of the picture appearing in No. 4 on p. 53. (See Appendix I.) All of the illustrations in No. 4 are repeated in the recent New York edition, with certain loss of detail : In No. 4, p. 56, there is a shadow on the snowy street reaching from the lower right corner to the center of the picture, while in the recent New York edition this shadow is entirely lacking. In No. 4, p. 59, there is a dark sky and a dark moonlight shadow on the lower part of the houses in the center background which reaches out to the center of the snowy square so that the light from the window at left shows up strongly, while in the recent New York edition all sense of this being a night picture is lost.

"The Tailor of Gloucester" is a beloved children's book written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter, first published in 1903. Set in the quaint English town of Gloucester, the story follows the adventures of a poor tailor and his industrious army of mice. The tale begins with the elderly and ailing tailor, who is commissioned to create a magnificent coat for the mayor of Gloucester's wedding on Christmas Day. However, the tailor falls ill before he can complete the coat, leaving only the embroidered silk lining unfinished. With the deadline fast approaching, the tailor despairs over his inability to finish the job. Unbeknownst to the tailor, a group of mice inhabits his shop, led by the wise and benevolent Simpkin, his pet cat. Upon hearing of the tailor's plight, the mice take it upon themselves to complete the coat while the tailor sleeps. They work tirelessly throughout the night, using scraps of fabric and their tiny sewing needles to finish the intricate details of the coat. As the tailor awakens on Christmas morning, he is astonished to find the coat completed beyond his wildest dreams. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he realizes that the mice have saved him from ruin and ensured the success of the mayor's wedding. In a heartwarming twist, the tailor discovers a note from the grateful mice, expressing their joy in helping him and wishing him a merry Christmas. Moved by their selflessness, the tailor resolves to care for them and provide them with warmth and comfort in his shop. "The Tailor of Gloucester" is a charming tale that celebrates the spirit of generosity, kindness, and community. Through Beatrix Potter's enchanting illustrations and lyrical prose, readers are transported to a magical world where even the smallest creatures can make a big difference. The story reminds us of the importance of compassion and empathy, and the joy that comes from helping others in times of need. With its timeless themes and endearing characters, "The Tailor of Gloucester" continues to captivate readers of all ages and inspire acts of kindness and goodwill. It remains a beloved classic in children's literature, cherished for its timeless message of hope, love, and the power of friendship.