WATERSHIP DOWN by ADAMS RICHARD - 1976

London: Paradine, 1976. First Edition. Hard Cover. Signed Limited Edition of 250 copies of which this is # 151. This is one of 30 or so rare copies which have an additional watercolour illustration by John Lawrence to the front free end-paper signed in initials by the artist. The binding (by Sangorski and Sutcliffe) is in sumptuous full crushed green morocco with marbled end-papers, raised bands, all edges gilt, with beautiful gilt rabbit motifs to the upper board, gilt corn and rabbit motifs and gilt title to the spine and numerous coloured and black and white illustrations throughout by John Lawrence (one of the UKs best-known illustrators). This deluxe edition has a new fore-word on the genesis of the story by Richard Adams not published elsewhere. Signed by the Author to the rear of the title page and by the illustrator to the frontispiece. A fine copy in the original marble card slip-case. A remarkable book