Beatrix Potter — The Tale of Mr. Tod

London, Frederick Warne and Co, 1912 . First edition. Hardback. A lovely example of the beautifully illustrated first edition of this popular Beatrix Potter tale, in which the children of Benjamin Bunny are kidnapped. The first edition, one of the first or second printings which are indistinguishable from one another, with the dedication reading 'William Francis' rather than 'Francis William&apos.Quinby No. 21.'The Tale of Mr Tod' follows archenemies Tommy Brock the badger and the fox Mr. Tod, after Brock kidnaps the children of Benjamin Bunny and Flopsy, hiding them in the oven of Mr. Tod's house.This tale was the first published in the new larger format in a more elaborate binding, despite Potter's disapproval of the style.Beautifully illustrated in colour in Potter's typical style, with a frontispiece and fourteen colour plates, and monochrome in-text illustrations. Collated, complete. In the publisher's original paper covered boards. Back strip lightly age toned, otherwise externally excellent. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Near Fine . Ill.: Beatrix Potter. Near Fine .