first edition
1902 · London
by Kipling, Richard
London: Macmillan and Co, 1902. Very good plus.. First edition, first impression in the second issue binding, of this children's classic with twelve myths about the origins of the animals, illustrated by the author himself. Kipling wrote JUST SO STORIES for his own children, particularly his first child Josephine ("Effie"), to help her fall asleep. Kipling was the son of an artist and the nephew of Edward Burne-Jones; his accomplished illustrations for these stories draw on influences as wide as Navajo art, Japanese prints, and the drawings of Aubrey Beardsley. While Kipling's own reputation would rise and fall alongside the culture of British imperialism, these stories do not borrow from the folklore of other cultures: they constitute their own form of legend, which English-speaking children of the next hundred years would experience through the sound of their parents' voices before bed. Large octavo. 9.25'' x 7''. Original full pictorial red cloth stamped in black and white, spine lettered and ornamented in white. Illustrated by Kipling with 22 full-page black-and-white plates and vignettes throughout text. Second issue binding with higher quality white coloring used for stamping: the first issue binding flaked severely and required change. [6], 249, [3] pages. Bookplate on front pastedown, ink gift inscription on front free endpaper. Touch of toning to spine, rubbing at spine ends and corners, some foxing to first and last few leaves.
(Inventory #: 40117)