Beatrix Potter — The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin

London, Frederick Warne and Co, 1903 . First edition. Hardback. A first edition of this popular Beatrix Potter tale about a troublesome squirrel, beautifully illustrated with her original charming colour plates. The first trade edition, first or second issue of this work, with 'Author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit' to the title page, and with the date to the title page. Bibliographers are unclear as to whether the 'Author of' statement denotes a first or second issue. Quinby 5A.'Squirrel Nutkin' follows an impertinent red squirrel named Nutkin as he narrowly escapes from an owl named Old Brown. Following the publication of 'Peter Rabbit' the year before, 'Squirrel Nutkin' became an instant hit upon publication.Beautifully illustrated in colour in Potter's typical style, with twenty-six colour plates. Collated, lacking the frontispiece. In the publisher's original paper covered boards. Lacking back strip, with boards bright, but exceptionally tenderly held. First gathering and one later leaf detached and loosely inserted, with remaining gatherings working loose, and detached from binding. Pencil inscription to verso of half title. Pages bright, with handling marks throughout, and with closed tear to page 11. Lacking the frontispiece. Poor . Ill.: Beatrix Potter. Poor .