The Tailor of Gloucester – Potter, Beatrix

First trade edition, with the deluxe cloth binding. Potter’s second book, after Peter Rabbit (1901). It was initially privately published in 1902. This edition in 1903 by Frederick Warne, the first trade edition with an added 16 illustrations. A small number of these were bound in fabric chosen by the author from her grandfather’s calico printing works in Manchester. Only this title and The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin were issued in this patterned cloth. The Tailor of Gloucester was described by the author as “favourite among my little books.” Potter gave a copy of the book to her Chelsea tailor who, in turn, displayed it to a representative of the trade journal, The Tailor & Cutter. The journal’s review appeared on Christmas Eve 1903:
[…] we think it is by far the prettiest story connected with tailoring we have ever read, and as it is full of that spirit of Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men, we are not ashamed to confess that it brought the moisture to our eyes, as well as the smile to our face. It is got up in choicest style and illustrated by twenty-seven of the prettiest pictures it is possible to imagine. (Lear 165)
New cloth spine with label and the rear free end paper replaced with that of a later edition. Some fading to the decorative cloth and some light thumbing. Overall condition good to very good.

Publisher: Frederick Warne and Co.
Date Published: 1903
Publication Place: London
First Edition: Yes

Condition: Good
Binding: Hardcover

Dimensions: 14 x 11cm