Beatrix Potter — The Tale of Mr. Tod

London, Frederick Warne and Co. 1912. First edition. Hardback. One of the first two indistinguishable printings of this popular Beatrix Potter tale, complete with fifteen charming colour plates. 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.Rebacked, with the original illustrated covers for boards and spine title laid down.The Tale of Mr. Tod brings back Beatrix Potter's most popular heroes, Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, in an adventure that also features two very disagreeable villains, Tommy Brock the badger and Mr. Tod the fox.This tale was the first published in the new larger format in a more elaborate binding, despite Potter's disapproval of the style.Illustrated in Potter's beloved style, including a coloured frontispiece, fourteen colour plates and black and white vignettes throughout. Collated, complete. Rebacked, with the original illustrated covers for boards and spine title laid down.  Externally, with loss and sunning to the original spine paper, and handling marks to the boards. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean, with light spotting to the first and last couple leaves. Contemporary gift inscription to the half title. Good . Ill.: Beatrix Potter. Good .