The Wind in the Willows (inscribed by the illustrator Charles Van Sandwyk to singer Elton John and his husband)
London: The Folio Society, 2005. First thus. Hardcover. Seventh printing, 2010. A wonderful and whimsical association, inscribed on the half-title page: "To dear Elton [John] and David [Furnish], We hope you enjoy reading this to your two dear boys, with kind regards form Mr. Toad, Ratty and Mole, and their faithful illustrator, Charles Van Sandwyk, London, September 19th, 2013." Elton John needs no introduction and remains one of the world's most beloved singer-songwriters. He and Furnish's second boy was born via surrogacy the same year of this inscription. The Wind in the Willows is considered among the best children's books of all time, and it began with Grahame telling bedtime stories to his son. Charles Van Sandwyk is a renown Canadian illustrator (see his short Folio Society bio). One critic, Michael Morpurgo, wrote of this production: "In almost 100 years since its first publications, I doubt there has been a finer edition." A large quarto in green cloth with gilt illustration on the front board as well as an illustrated central plate. With 22 full-page color illustrations in the interior along with many other vignettes and header illustrations. A very near fine copy with just a hint of rubbing to spine ends; in an illustrated paper board slipcase that is fine . A real find connecting two British artistic treasures. Near fine / Fine. Item #2049
Price: $7,500.00 save 5% $7,125.00