John Betjeman — Archie & the Strict Baptists

London, John Murray, 1977. First edition. Cloth. A delightfully presented book following the youthful adventures of Archibald Ormsby Gore, the bear. This is a First Edition, in original publisher's cloth binding with original price-clipped Dust Wrapper. With beautiful illustrations by Phillida Gili. Archie & the Strict Baptists tells the tale of Archibald the bear, documenting his adventures in the chapel and beyond. Betjeman originally wrote the story for his family when they lived in Berkshire, using Archie to explore local history and fly over the Berkshire Downs with homemade wings. Betjeman made rough sketches to accompany the book, which he gave to Phillida Gili to interpret and transform into the delightful full colour illustrations which are present in the work. In original publisher's cloth binding, with bear motif to the front board. In original price-clipped dust wrapper. Externally in excellent condition, with minor shelf wear to the extremities. Dust wrapper in very good condition, with minor chipping. Internally firmly bound. Pages bright and clean. Near Fine . Ill.: Phillida Gili. Near Fine/Very Good Indeed.