Foundation

The Cat in the Hat By Dr. Seuss First UK edition, first impression (Collins Clear-Type Press, 1958). Originally published in the US the previous year. Signed and inscribed by the author to front endpaper verso: 'for the children of Battersea with Best Wishes... Dr Seuss'. Rare thus. Publisher's original turquoise pictorial boards. Rubbing to edges and to spine with some bumping to corners; very slight bowing to upper board; contents clean and free from names and inscriptions. A good copy of an edition that is rare to find bearing a unique inscription from the author.

The Starlight Barking By Dodie Smith First edition, first impression (Heinemann, 1967). Illustrated by Janet and Anne Grahame-Johnstone. Signed, inscribed and dated by the author in the year of publication on the front blank: 'To Cicely Courtneidge, from Dodie Smith "Dear Octopus", Theatre Royal, Haymarket, 1967'. The inscription refers to Smith's play 'Dear Octopus', which was revived in 1967 for the fiftieth wedding anniversary of the comedy actors Dame Cicely Courtneidge and Jack Hubert. Dodie Smith's married name, 'Mrs Beesley', Dodie Smith's married name is also written in ink in another hand to the front flap of the dust jacket. Additionally a postcard from the author is loosely inserted: 'Dearest Cis, Here is "The Starlight Barking" as a tiny first night present. It's also intended as a get well present to your dear poodle - I trust you'll be able to use Bill's line and say "The dog liked it". Bless you and thank you for your lovable, funny and altogether admirable performance as "Dora". Much love as ever, Dodie". 8vo, publisher's original blue cloth with gilt lettering to spine and pictorial decorative endpapers. fine with just a little pushing to spine ends in a near fine, price-clipped dust jacket with slight edge-wear in places and a couple of spots to upper panel. A near fine example of the sequel to 'The Hundred and One Dalmatians'.