Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller - Old and Rare Books

Four Plays [PRESENTATIONAL COPY WITH AN ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT POEM, DEDICATED TO BRITISH THEATRE FIGURE A. R. WHATMORE FROM MILNE]

Milne, A. A.

London: Chatto and Windus, 1929. Second edition (The Phoenix Library). Hardcover. Small Octavo. [6] 265 [8]pp. Original blue-green cloth with blind-stamped image and ruling on front cover. Gilt lettering, tooling and ruling on spine. Contains the plays "To Have The Honor; Ariadne, Or Business First; Portrait of a Gentleman in Slippers; Success," by the author of Winnie the Pooh.

Presentation copy of "Four Plays" dedicated to actor Mr. A.R. Whatmore, including personal and glowing extemporary poem, written as a Thank You to A. R. Whatmore who played William Bendish in Milne's play 'Sarah Simple" at the Garrick Theatre: "For A. R. Whatmore from A. A. Milne - May 9th - July 28th 1931 Thank you - Some men like Dickens more than Scott / And some like Walter Scott more / But when it comes to acting, what / Could show more wit than Whatmore / [Extemporary Poem. And of course he / does charming water colours too J."

Whatmore was a British actor, playwright, producer of plays and, according to Milne, a watercolor artist too. During the 1930s he directed or acted in numerous plays in the West End. With catalog of The Phoenix Library at rear, historiated headpiece here. Very light wear along edges and two water rings on front cover. Block lightly age-toned. Very good condition. Item #54932

Price: $1,250.00