London: Frederick Warne and Co., 1911. First edition. Original dark green boards ruled and lettered in white on front cover and lettered in white spine. Color pictorial label (67 x 57 mm) on front cover within a blind arch-shaped panel outlined in blind. Color pictorial endpapers (Quinby Plate X). Measured 137 x 105 mm and collates 84, [1], [1, blank]. Color frontispiece and twenty-six color plates (included in pagination). Black and white vignette on title-page. Minimal rubbing to lower corners and spine extremities. Neat ink inscription dated "Xmas 1912" on front free end-paper. An excellent copy.

"Beatrix Potter, writer of some of the most beloved children's books of all time, was a woman of immense talent, indefatigable spirit, and a generous heart...Although she grew up in London, she was deeply influenced by long family holidays in the countryside, first in Scotland and later in the English lake district. As was the custom in families of her class, she was educated at home by governesses. An eager student of languages and literature, she grew up loving classic folk and fairy tales...Her talent for drawing and painting was discovered early and encouraged" (Beatrix Potter Society). Her career began with the release of the now-beloved Tale of Peter Rabbit; and her subsequent works expanded into a magical world of anthropomorphic animals such as Tom Kitten, Squirrel Nutkin, and Benjamin Bunny.

Linder, p. 429. Quinby 20. V & A 1664. (Item #3696)