Paddington at Large
by Michael Bond
 
First edition, first impression. London: Collins, 1962.
 
The fifth Paddington book, continuing Michael Bond’s much-loved series featuring the bear from Peru, here again depicted in Peggy Fortnum’s iconic line drawings.

Octavo. Original blue cloth, spine lettered in silver. With the original pink dust jacket illustrated by Peggy Fortnum and priced 9s. 6d. net. Black-and-white illustrations throughout by Peggy Fortnum.
 
A near fine copy. Cloth clean and unfaded with only minor compression to spine ends; corners sharp; contents fresh and unmarked.

The original clipped and re-priced dust jacket is very good. Light wear at spine ends and joints; a few small closed tears and creases to edges; slight toning to spine; faint and isolated instances of soiling to panels; ring-shaped stain visible on verso but not significantly affecting the exterior.
 
Paddington at Large is the fifth full-length book in the Paddington series, continuing Michael Bond’s enormously popular chronicles of the Peruvian bear. Peggy Fortnum’s illustrations—here in her characteristic loose, energetic line—remain the visual form most associated with the Paddington books. First editions in collectible condition have become increasingly sought after and more difficult to find, particularly with renewed interest in the franchise following recent film adaptations.