New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1961. First edition. First printing with "Bound By H. Wolff" in the five line colophon. A Fine, bright copy in Very Good+ jacket. Gift inscription dated 1966 to upper free endpaper. First issue dust jacket (without the ISBN number). Dust jacket price-clipped, with a bit of wear to head and tail of spine, a couple slight nicks to spine, and a shallow tear to front panel at fold. Still an attractive example of the jacket, with the spine unusually bright. A very appealing copy.

An attractive copy of this Dahl high spot, his second book for children after Gremlins. This American edition was the first published, with a British edition not following until 1967. The story was somewhat controversial due to the cruel treatment James receives living with his aunt and uncle – much like Harry Potter, Dahl's own Matilda, and other young heroes and heroines of children's literature. After escaping from home in a giant magical peach, James travels the world with his new friends having all sorts of wonderful adventures. The 1996 film was produced by Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Musical. Fine in Very Good + dust jacket. (Item #7888)