A BEAR CALLED PADDINGTON - 1958

London: Collins, 1958. First edition. Near fine in very good plus jacket. Inscribed first printing of the first book about the bear who cheerfully notes, "things are always happening to me. I'm that sort of bear." In an interview with THE GUARDIAN, Bond described how his own experience during World War II of observing evacuee children at the train station shaped his little bear: "They all had a label round their neck with their name and address on and a little case or package containing all their treasured possessions. So Paddington, in a sense, was a refugee." The neighborhood surrounding Paddington station was indeed known for its thriving immigrant population, and the sprightly and earnest little bear learns to feel at home in London, where he and his friends can celebrate their differences alongside their similarities. The immigrant bear Paddington is now a British icon, with a bronze statue in Paddington Station and his own Royal Mail stamps. This book is quite scarce signed. 7.75'' x 5.25''. Original full red cloth, silver-lettered spine. In original unclipped (8s 6d) blue and white dust jacket. Illustrated by Peggy Fortnum. 128 pages. Inscribed by Bond in blue ink on half title: "With all best wishes. / Michael Bond." Dust jacket carefully and expertly restored around extremities, with some soiling to white panels (presents as near fine). Boards slightly bowed, interior clean.