The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter - 1902

London and New York: Frederick Warne and Co, 1902. First edition. Paperback. Good. 5.5" by 4.5". Beatrix Potter. A first edition, early impression of Beatrix Potter's popular anthropomorphic story 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit'. The first trade edition of this work. An early impression, with 'wept big tears' to page 51. In the original brown paper boards. This first trade edition was issued in both brown and grey boards with no priority.�The first three impressions were issued from October-December 1902 and are�all identical following all points in Quinby.��(Linder p.421; Quinby 2).��With an early inscription to the recto of front endpaper 'Brian, With first wishes from mary + 'the apology' April 9th'.�'The tale of Peter Rabbit' follows the mischievous and disobedient Peter Rabbit as he is chased around the garden of Mr McGregor. This work was a huge success and multiple reprints were issued in the years following its debut. Subsequently there have been translations into 36 languages and is one of the best-selling books in history.�This tale was inspired by a pet rabbit Potter owned as a child which she named Peter Piper. She sent illustrated story letters to the children of her former governess Annie Moore. Moore suggested that Potter turn them into books. This story was first privately printed prior to this first commercial edition.�An uncommon first edition of this beloved children's story.� In the original paper wraps. Externally, generally smart. Chips to the head and tail of spine with some loss. A few marks to the boards. Hinges have failed with the textblock detached from binding. Tape repairs to the front pastedowns and endpapers. Prior owner's inscription to the half-title. Binding is slightly tender to the start and end of the work. Chips to the bottom of page 20. Small closed tear to the bottom of page 53. Pages are very bright. With just the odd spot to pages. Good