The Pot of Gold and Two Other Tales, Aaron Judah — 1st Edition
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Publication: London, Faber and Faber, 1959
Formatting: 8vo, pp. 64.
Condition Report: Very Good. The book itself is in exceptionally smart condition, featuring bright red cloth boards with sharp corners and unoxidised black vignette tooling that remains remarkably crisp. The binding is tight, square, and firm, showing minimal signs of handling. Internally, the pages are highly presentable, crisp, and clean, free from any distracting foxing or previous ownership inscriptions. The original dust wrapper is complete and visually appealing, though it warrants the slightly lower overall grade due to moderate shelf-wear; this includes a distinct diagonal crease across the rear panel, some light surface soiling, and minor rubbing to the extremities. The wrapper is now securely housed in a protective mylar sleeve.
Catalogue Note: First edition. This engaging collection of three stories, comprising the titular 'The Pot of Gold', alongside 'Roger and the Crot', and 'Roger and the Feud,' is significantly elevated by the distinctive line illustrations of Mervyn Peake. Peake, widely celebrated for his masterful Gormenghast series, brings his characteristically whimsical and slightly gothic flair to Judah’s fairy tales.
Copies of this first printing remain relatively accessible on the open market. However, surviving examples that maintain a bright, largely intact dust wrapper without severe price-clipping or heavy loss are becoming increasingly desirable for collectors of Peake's illustrative work.
In this imaginative collection, Aaron Judah introduces young readers to a vibrant world of mischievous goblins, magical objects, and curious characters. The title story follows the misadventures sparked by the discovery of a glowing, magical pot, blending traditional folklore elements with Judah’s unique narrative wit. Perfectly complemented by Mervyn Peake’s evocative and atmospheric illustrations, these three tales offer a captivating mix of humour, morality, and enchanting fantasy.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: Aaron Judah
Book Publisher: Faber and Faber
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Children's
Genre: Children's Fiction & True Stories
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 64
Book Publication Year: 1959
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Mervyn Peake
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: Plymouth, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| 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. |
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