Behind the Lines, A. A. Milne — 1st Edition

£20.00

Behind the Lines, A. A. Milne — 1st Edition

Name: Behind the Lines, A. A. Milne — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5949
Price: 20.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1940

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 101.

Condition Report: Near Fine. This wartime production is in a remarkably well-preserved state, remaining tightly bound and square. The quarter blue cloth spine is vibrant and unfaded, which is a rarity for this hue, and the printed paper spine label remains entirely intact without any chipping or rubbing. The cream paper-covered boards are exceptionally bright, exhibiting only the faintest traces of handling and minor rubbing to the corners. Textblock edges show light, uniform toning consistent with the era's paper stock, but remain cleanly preserved without heavy foxing. Internally, the pages are crisp, bright, and completely free from previous ownership markings or major blemishes.

Catalogue Note: First edition, first printing. The book features the publisher’s "First published in 1940" statement on the copyright page, denoting the true first impression.

An intriguing piece of wartime literature by A. A. Milne, this volume represents a departure from the author's beloved children’s stories. The book features a charming dedication to Milne's son, Christopher Robin Milne, partially reading, "TO MY AFFINITY C. R. MILNE : SCHOLAR...".

Due to wartime production standards, often subject to strict economy measures, surviving copies of this edition in such highly preserved condition, particularly lacking the typical darkening and wear to the fragile paper boards and spine label, are increasingly uncommon on the open market.

Published during the early, uncertain days of the Second World War, Behind the Lines is a poignant and often satirical collection of verse by A. A. Milne. While globally celebrated for his whimsical Winnie-the-Pooh series, Milne was also a seasoned playwright, essayist, and veteran of the First World War. In this collection, he directs his sharp wit and lyrical prowess towards the realities of global conflict, politics, and the home front. Moving between lighthearted humour and sobering reflection, the poems offer a unique, deeply personal glimpse into the British mindset during the early 1940s, making it an essential volume for Milne collectors and enthusiasts of wartime literature alike.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: A. A. Milne

Book Publisher: Methuen & Co. Ltd.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Poetry

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 101

Book Publication Year: 1940

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.