HORWOOD William — The Willows in Winter [with] Toad Triumphant [with] The Willows and Beyond [with] The Willows at Christmas. Illustrated by Patrick Benson. THE 'WILLOWS' SEQUELS COMPLETE; ALL SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR AND WITH EPHEMERA

Harper Collins, [1993-1999]. 4 vols., 8vo., First Edition, with title-vignettes, numerous illustrations (a number full-page) in the text, coloured endpaper maps in the first three volumes, and red endpapers in fourth volume; cloth (blue/blue/red/ivory respectively), gilt backs, a near fine set in unclipped dustwrapper. SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR ON TITLE/HALF-TITLE/HALF-TITLE/LOOSELY INSERTED BRANDED BOOKPLATE RESPECTIVELY.The first two volumes include the publisher's branded bookmarks and related cuttings. Horwood's 'The Willows in Winter' (1993) proved an enormously successful sequel to Grahame's children's classic, due not least to Benson's delightful illustrations which capture fully the spirit of Shepard's immortal originals. This first sequel was followed by three others: 'Toad Triumphant' (1995), 'The Willows and Beyond' (1996) and 'The Willows at Christmas' (1999) completing a delightful reincarnation of the river bank and its folk. COMPLETE SETS ARE SELDOM OFFERED FOR SALE, LET ALONE SIGNED COPIES AS HERE. A RARE OPPORTUNITY.