{"product_id":"the-countrymans-bedside-book-b-b-1st-edition","title":"The Countryman's Bedside Book, B.B. — 1st Edition","description":"\u003cp id=\"p-rc_e8d912a36bc22aac-232\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublication:\u003c\/b\u003e London, Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1943\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003csup class=\"superscript\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormatting:\u003c\/b\u003e 8vo, pp. [vi], 252.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"p-rc_e8d912a36bc22aac-233\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/b\u003e Near Fine; Very Good+ dust jacket. The binding remains remarkably tight and square, with the visible board edges showing only negligible shelf-wear and no significant bumping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003csup class=\"superscript\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Internally, the text block is exceptionally clean; the pages exhibit only the expected, uniform age-toning entirely consistent with the thin \"War Economy Standard\" paper. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original dust jacket is wonderfully vibrant and intact, presenting a striking front panel with only minor nicks, slight creasing, and faint rubbing along the extremities and spine ends\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003csup class=\"superscript\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The spine panel itself remains bright with minimal sun-fading\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003csup class=\"superscript\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Overall, this is an exceptionally well-preserved wartime survivor that presents beautifully in protective sleeve.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"p-rc_e8d912a36bc22aac-234\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eCatalogue Note:\u003c\/b\u003e A highly attractive third Impression of the first edition, printed in March 1943, closely following the initial October 1941 publication\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003csup class=\"superscript\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It notably bears the prominent \"Book Production War Economy Standard\" lion emblem on the copyright page, a poignant historical marker of the strict paper rationing and publishing constraints enforced during the Second World War\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003csup class=\"superscript\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"p-rc_e8d912a36bc22aac-235\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe text is richly enhanced by the atmospheric and masterful woodcut illustrations of D.J. Watkins-Pitchford, including the striking full-page frontispiece titled \"The Wayside Fire\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003csup class=\"superscript\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Watkins-Pitchford, who operated as an author under his famous pseudonym 'BB' while illustrating under his given name, created a seamless harmony between text and image\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003csup class=\"superscript\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. While early impressions of 'BB's' works are highly sought after, finding these fragile wartime printings retaining such an intact and brightly colored dust jacket is increasingly scarce on the open market.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quintessential classic of British nature writing, \u003ci\u003eThe Countryman's Bedside Book\u003c\/i\u003e invites readers into the timeless rhythms, quiet mysteries, and enduring solace of rural England. Penned by the beloved naturalist 'BB' and perfectly complemented by his own evocative woodcut illustrations, this collection of essays captures the profound beauty of the countryside with an artist's eye and a woodsman's heart. It remains an essential, deeply comforting companion for anyone who finds their greatest peace among the woods, fields, and waterways of the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54074938327379,"sku":"4242","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260611_124635.jpg?v=1782215948","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/the-countrymans-bedside-book-b-b-1st-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}