Various; E. F. Benson; Algernon Blackwood; John Drinkwater et. al. — The 1929 Christmas Tree Annual

London, Ernest Benn Limited , 1929. First edition. Cloth. A scarce copy of the first and only 'Christmas Tree Annual', containing early illustrations from Edward Ardizzone. The first and only Christmas Tree Annual, published in aid of the Children's Country Holidays Fund.In the publisher's quarter cloth with illustrated boards. A notable volume for its early examples of Edward Ardizzone's illustrations, who had not yet become a household name. In a Glass Darkly by Sheridan Le Fanu is one of the earliest recognised books Ardizzone illustrated for, and that was published in 1929. Here he illustrated 'Some Modern Magic' by Stephen King-Hall. Offering a delightful collection of children's poems, short stories and puzzles, from authors including E. F. Benson, Algernon Blackwood, John Drinkwater and Cosmo Hamilton. Colour frontispiece, three colour plates, and many in-text and full-page drawings. Text and in-text illustrations are tinted in alternating colours throughout.  In the publisher's quarter cloth with illustrated boards. Externally, very smart, with fading to the spine and slight rubbing and bumping to the extremities. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are toned to the margins, but generally clean, with a contemporary Christmas gift inscription to the front free endpaper. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Numerous Illustrators. Very Good Indeed .