British author and illustrator (1866–1943) whose Edwardian-era tales of naughty rabbits, 'bad' mice, and other amusingly mischievous animals take a place among the most enduring and beloved works in the annals of children's literature. Her first and best-known book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, has sold more than 40 million copies since it was first published in 1902. Signed book: The Pie and the Patty-Pan. First edition, first printing. London: Frederick Warne and Company, 1905. Hardcover, 5.5 x 7, 52 pages. Signed and inscribed on the half-title page, "Ibby Hopkinson from Beatrix Potter, Hill Top Farm, Sawrey, Sept 18th, 1924." Some scattered light wear and curling to covers, and a partial separation of surface of cover and spine along front joint, otherwise fine condition.
Around the time this edition was published, Potter was engaged to marry Norman Warne, her editor and the youngest of the three Warne brothers. However, he died in 1905, only a few weeks after their engagement. Interestingly, the relationship between Potter and her publisher got off to a rather negative start. Frederick Warne was among the six publishers to whom the author had submitted her first book, the story of a rabbit called Peter. She was rebuffed by each of them, but Warne executives changed their collective mind when they saw the privately printed 1901 edition of the book, and offered to publish it if Potter colorized the illustrations. By 1905, she had also purchased Hill Top Farm, which she held until her death. The most desirable version of her signature, inscribed in a bittersweet year. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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