I think of myself as a Beatrix Potter fan. I bought some nice reproductions of the original Peter Rabbit stories for my kids when they were young, and my Farmer McGregor impression regularly reduced them to fits of giggles. But, until recently, I never realized there are literally dozens of books and characters by Potter that I've never come across. Perhaps publishers don't believe her brand of simple humor and anthrpomorphic animals doesn't appeal to "modern" children (although mine would strongly disagree), but a search of the ABAA database reveals some wonderful stories and colorful characters that likely won't be familar to anyone but children's book collectors and rare book dealers.
You can view our members' listings for yourself, but here are just five books by Beatrix Potter that most people are unlikely to have heard of...
GINGER & PICKLES
London, Frederick Warne and Co., 1909, first edition.
Color frontispiece with several other illustrations, most of them in color, with the 1909 publication date on the title page. Ginger was a tom-cat and Pickles was a terrier, they gave unlimited credit to their customers, Peter Rabbit among them, and thus went broke. (Offered by James M. Dourgarian, Bookman)
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THE FAIRY CARAVAN
Philadelphia: McKay (1929). 8vo, green cloth, pictorial paste-on, Fine. 1st U.S. ed. (Priority of U.S. and U.K. editions has not been determined). After Potter finished her Peter Rabbit series Potter intended to stop writing and it was only with the persuasion of her American publisher, Alexander McKay, that she agreed to write this book intended only for the American market. Illus. by Potter with 6 color plates and 20 full page and 42 smaller black and white drawings. Linder notes that Potter's Lakeland friends "were quick to recognize many of the pictures with their local settings." (Offered by Aleph-Bet Books)
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London and New York: Frederick Warne & Co., 1905. First edition. Original maroon paper covered boards with color cover insert of cat, lettering on cover and white impressed in white. Ten superb color plates by Potter. Corners slightly bumped, occasional very sight soiling, else very good, clean and tight copy of an early Potter title. (Offered by Nudelman Rare Books)
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New York: Frederick Warne & Co, 1908. Decorative Cloth. Collectible; Very Good. The 1908 1st edition, 2nd state (with the title page dated 1908 {which was the case only in the first 2 states}). Bright and VG in its decorative red cloth. Tender front and rear hinges (but still holding firmly), very light soiling to the front panel and neat, small former owner inscription at the front free endpaper. Octavo, 70 pgs. Beautifully illustrated thruout. (Offered by Appledore Books)
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THE STORY OF MISS MOPPET
Frederick Warne and Co., 1906 First edition, first issue, 1906. In excellent condition. Wallet format with Frederick Warne and Co. London and New York on rear cover, instead of the second printing which lists New York before London and is the first American edition. Panorama of text and color illustrations extending to 2492 mm. Folding into original cloth wallet with shaped pastedown label. Illustrated with 14 lovely color illustrations that open accordian style. Due to the lack of success of this panorama format, only two Potter titles were published in this form. They were later reissued in regular book format. Very rare in this very good condition, with the tab in fine condition. Housed in a custom made slipcase. Oblong 32 mo 94 mm by 112mm.. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good/No Jacket. (Offered by Bookbid Rare Books)
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