The Scarce First UK Printing

Tuwim, Julian : Lewitt and Him ~ Locomotive

Minerva Publishing Co. Ltd (London) : 1940

The First UK printing published by The Minerva Publishing Co. Ltd (London) in 1940. The BOOK is in Very Good+ condition. Some rubbing to the edges and corners. Some age related markings to the boards. The binding remains tight. Light toning to the text block and page edges. Previous owner's neat small bookplate to the second blank end paper. A loose Mylar archival covering protects the boards. Three beautifully illustrated classic Polish tales. In the late 1930s renowned Polish poet Julian Tuwim, was asked to write three poems for children. The publisher Przeworski connected the three poems into one book, 'Locomotive', and commissioned illustrations from celebrated Polish illustration duo Lewitt and Him. Locomotive was the beginning of a creative partnership that lasted many years. Featuring the original three poems, Locomotive, The Turnip, and The Birds Broadcast, children learn whats inside each train carriage as it chugs along, how many people, animals, and friends it takes to pull a turnip from the ground, and what happens when birds of all kinds gather for a meeting in the woods. After its original publication in 1939 in Polish, Locomotive was swiftly translated into French and English the next year, appearing at a time when it would have been a surprise and a joy to encounter bright colors and imagery. Very Scarce as the first english edition. Recently reissued by 'Thames and Hudson' publishers. Collectible.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Very Good+