H. E. Bates — Down the River

London, Victor Gollancz, 1937 . First edition. Cloth. The first edition of H. E. Bates's charming tale, signed by the celebrated illustrator of the work, Agnes Miller Parker. Signed by Scottish engraver, illustrator and painter Agnes Miller Parker to the front free endpaper, dated 1937.The first edition, first impression. In the publisher's original unclipped second issue dust wrapper, with the price reduced to 5'-, and a quotation from Eric Bill added to the front wrap.This work includes Miller Parker's famous engraving 'otter diving&apos. Illustrated throughout by Miller Parker.This work tells the story of a young boy named Harold who embarks on a journey down the river with his two older brothers.With the bookplates of Paul E. Butcher and F. R. Furber to the front pastedown.A lovely example of this work. In the publisher's original cloth binding, and unclipped dust wrapper. Bump to back strip tail, otherwise externally fine. Bookplates to front pastedown, with inscription to front free endpaper. Dust wrapper age toned to back strip, with minor chipping to back strip head and tail. Light handling marks to wraps. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Fine . Ill.: Agnes Miller Parker. Fine/Fine.