"ONE OF THE FINEST CHILDREN'S FANTASIES OF THE 20TH CENTURY": FIRST EDITION OF THE SWORD IN THE STONE

WHITE, Terence Hanbury. The Sword in the Stone. London: Collins, 1938. Octavo, original gilt-stamped black cloth, original dust jacket. $7000.

First edition of the original version of White's playful and profound tale of King Arthur's youth, illustrated with numerous linecuts by the author.

To craft his charming story of "The Wart," the boy who is—unknown to anyone except his magical tutor, Merlyn— the future king of England, White drew inspiration more from his own experiences as a schoolmaster than from Malory's Morte d'Arthur. He also confessed in a letter that he wrote "about what he would have liked to have happened to him when he was a boy" (Gallix, 16). "The characterizations are exceptionally fine and the story has a perfect blend of humor and sentimentality" (Anatomy of Wonder 5-318). "Few would deny its romance and humanity" (An English Library, 56). "One of the finest children's fantasies of the 20th century" (Clute & Grant, 1010-11). White substantially revised the book for its 1958 inclusion in The Once and Future King. In 1963, Disney released an animated adaptation. Gallix A10. Currey, 430. See Cawthorn & Moorcock, Fantasy 100 Best 54.

Book fine, dust jacket very good with light wear to edges, one small chip to top edge of front panel, closed tear to rear panel, mild toning to spine.