The Twits with Illustrations by Quentin Blake [Signed]

Thirty-Two Bedford Square, London: Jonathan Cape, 1985. Stated First Published 1980; fourth printing, 1985. Beautifully signed and inscribed by Roald Dahl at front endpaper: "Olwen, Love Roald Dahl." Bold large inscription and signature fills the page. According to prior collector, Olwen in this case refers to Olwen Barnard (born Hill-Duffy), a relation to Sir Joseph Brian Barnard of North Yorkshire. Olwen, pronounced O-loon, is of Welsh origin and a name for girls translating as "white footprint" or "white track." According to legend, the goddess Olwen was so gentle and fragile that white trefoils or clovers grew in her footprints. Olwen is a Welsh favorite, and was also the name of a legendary princess in what is believed to be the earliest Arthurian romance. Other sources cite Olwen as a Welsh sun goddess whose name means golden wheel. According to this tale, she overcame thirteen obstacles to obtain her true love; and thus teaches tenacity in obtaining goals. Red textured boards, gilt spine titles, light shelf wear, bump. Pages near fine; no writing. Dynamic illustration by Quentin Blake profusely throughout. Pictorial bookmark set in stating: "Signed." Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Original dust wrapper, light shelf wear; clipped, protected in new clear sleeve. Bookstore label remains above price clipping at lower front flap with price marked out and appearing to say: "KG, Price in [GBP symbol]." Rather humorous and apropos dust wrapper features bold red and black titles with color illustration of the Twits at front panel; back panel features the monkeys standing on their heads with the repeated titles placed upside down. Scarce near fine signed early printing in same wrapper. Bored with playing minor juvenile tricks on each nother, the sick and satisfyingly revolting Twits turn attention to capturing a family of monkeys for a circus act. The monkey's cruel incarceration in a cage is avenged when the birds trick the Twits into believing the world has turned upside-down. Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the smelliest, nastiest, most abhorrent people in the world. They hate everything, except playing fiendish pranks on each other, catching unsuspecting birds to put in their bird pies, and making their caged monkeys, the Muggle-Wumps, stand on their heads all day. But the Muggle-Wumps have had enough! With the help of Roly-Poly Bird, they prepare for some well-deserved revenge served cold. And... Roald Dahl's thrillingly grotesque tale features the deliciously wicked, and deftly appropos, artwork of Quentin Blake. They're disgusting and despicable--they're the Twits! "It's nothing but delicious riddance to rotten rubbish! Parents may turn chartreuse or puce at the descriptions of the Twits, but little ones will squeal in delighted disgust." - School Library Journal. Printed in Great Britain by Mackay's of Chatham. Insured post.. Signed by Author. First Edition. Hard Cover. Fine/Very Good. Illus. by Blake, Quentin. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall.