Alfred Bestall — The Adventures of Rupert

London, Daily Express Publication, 1939 . First edition. Cloth. The first edition of the fourth ever Rupert Bear annual, following the beloved anthropomorphic bear and his friends. The fourth Rupert Bear annual, containing a selection of the classic and charming comic strips.Rupert Bear is a popular children's comic strip character, a cornerstone of British culture since his first appearance in 1920. He was originally created by Mary Tourtel, in order to win sales for the Daily Express from its rivals, the Daily Mirror and the Daily Mail.Featuring eight tales, including 'Rupert's Bonfire' and 'Rupert's Adventures in the Snows&apos.Illustrated throughout in red and black ink.Authored and illustrated by Alfred Bestall, who took over from Mary Tourtel in 1935.Former owner's inscription to front pastedown, with significant hand colouring by a juvenile former owner to thirty-four pages. In the publisher's original cloth backed pictorial paper covered boards. Significant rubbing to board perimeters, with discolouration to back strip. Bumping to back strip head and tail. Head and tail of rear joint starting, with board tenderly held. Front hinge strained, and somewhat tender. Major colour pencil inscriptions to rear pastedown and rear free endpaper. Handling marks, ink stamp and pencil inscription to front pastedown, with handling marks to title page. Internally, binding strained throughout, with four leaves detached and loosely inserted. Significant hand colouring by a juvenile former owner to thirty-four pages. Significant handling marks throghout. Fair . Ill.: Alfred Bestall. Fair .