Collection · Literature
Mary Poppins
- British first edition of the first Mary Poppins novel
- Authorial inscription: “Ramona Herdman / with love from / Pamela Travers / Christmas 1934”
- Fine calf binding by Grace Bindings, London
- Original publisher’s cloth panel preserved inside the case
- Clamshell box gilt-stamped “Presentation Copy 1934”
- Illustrations by Mary Shepard
| Author | P. L. Travers (Pamela Lyndon Travers) |
|---|---|
| Title | Mary Poppins |
| Publisher / place | Gerald Howe Ltd., London |
| Year | 1934 |
| Edition | First British edition |
| Illustrations | Mary Shepard |
| Signed | Yes — dated presentation inscription, Christmas 1934 |
| Binding | Calf leather (Grace Bindings, London); original cloth panel in case |
| Format | approx. 19.05 × 12.7 cm |
| Series | Book 1 of the eight-volume Mary Poppins series |
| SKU | LL-MP-1934-SIGNED |
Catalogue description
One of the most desirable presentation copies in children’s literature
Mary Poppins was published in 1934 by Gerald Howe in London and established one of the most enduring myths of modern children’s literature. The figure of the strict, magical nanny — created by Australian-born Helen Lyndon Goff under the pen name P. L. Travers — became world-famous through the 1964 Disney film and remains iconic today.
The present copy is a British first edition with a personal, dated Christmas inscription by the author in the year of publication. Such presentation copies with an authentic authorial signature and clear provenance are exceptionally scarce in the market for modern firsts and rank among the most sought-after objects in classic children’s literature.
“Ramona Herdman
with love from
Pamela Travers
Christmas 1934.”
Binding & condition
The book was originally acquired in the publisher’s cloth binding and — presumably in the same year — finely rebound in calf leather by London’s Grace Bindings (stamp “Grace Bindings” on the lower rear pastedown). The cover reprises the motif of the original cloth binding in gilt. Mounted inside the clamshell case is the central panel of the original yellow cloth cover — a documentary detail of considerable bibliophile interest.
Condition (summary): Externally excellent; a few light spots on the rear board. Clamshell case in excellent condition. Small tear in the gutter of the title illustration with slight deformation; professional restoration to the title page (former moisture stain). Moisture stain on the inscription leaf. Internally firmly bound; pages lightly age-toned at the edges, clean. Full condition report on request.
Cultural & market context
Signed first editions of Mary Poppins are internationally sought after within 20th-century children’s literature and are pursued by collectors as well as in the context of rare book investment and tangible asset investment. Comparable signed copies are offered in the high-end trade in the five-figure USD/GBP range; unsigned firsts without dust jacket typically trade substantially lower. The combination of first edition, dated inscription in the year of publication, and documented fine binding / presentation case places this copy in the upper segment of rare books as an alternative asset class.
Offered with a certificate of authenticity. Private sale via LibraLy / netvalue GmbH. Viewing and full documentation by appointment.