First trade edition, first printing. Thirty fine coloured plates mounted on leaves with coloured frames and guarded, all by William Heath Robinson. and many further black and white illustrations in text Title page in red and black. Original blue cloth boards, front panel and spine stamped with gilt decorations and lettering. Large 4to ( approx 11.25 x 9 x 2 inches). A magnificent, impressive volume, boards just a little rubbed on extreme corners and spine tips. Hint of toning to text block edges and first and last few leaves. Gift inscription neatly inked on the front free endpaper else volume is neat, clean, bright and tight throughout. Boards now protected with acetate sleeve.
An beautiful example of this first trade edition. "This edition of A Song of the English is reprinted from The Seven Seas and the publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of Messrs Methuen & Co in consenting to its issue as a separate volume" (from the half title page).
