Clever Bill by William Nicholas, 1980s edition.

$39.00

Written and illustrated by William Nicholas. 1986 edition. Doubleday and Co. (First published in 1926 by William Heinemann Ltd, London).

Mary's aunt invites her to visit. In packing and repacking to fit her favorite things into her suitcase she overlooks her toy soldier, Bill Davis, and leaves for the train. Bill Davis runs after her and meets her at the train. Mary is so relieved. Clever Bill.

William Nicholson's masterful wood cut prints tell the story of Mary and her soldier Bill Davis so clearly, and with such poignancy, that Clever Bill ushered in the era of artistically illustrated children's books.

This is not a first edition but a faithful reprint, circa 1946 - 1986. A first edition Clever Bill is worth much more. Lacking a publication date, the fact that Doubleday and Company only operated under that business name from 1946 - 1986 places publication during this period.

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Condition*: Near fine/Very Good. Illustrated cover boards. Dust jacket: light soiling at the tail of the spine, front and back; minor shelf wear. Spine is bumped at the tail, leaving a small closed tear in the hinge. Child's name on the front endpaper.

*Based on guidelines of the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.

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