When We Were Very Young

6C A. A. Milne. Decorations by E. H. Shepard. London: Methuen, 1925. Deluxe Roan Edition.

Notes

When We Were Very Young, first published in 1924, is a collection of children’s verse by A. A. Milne, marking the beginning of the literary world that would later expand into the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh stories. The poems capture the imagination, humor, and perspective of childhood, exploring everyday experiences through playful language and gentle wit. The volume introduces early versions of characters and themes that would become central to Milne’s later works, offering a charming and nostalgic reflection on youth that resonates with both children and adults.

A. A. Milne (1882–1956) was an English author and playwright whose writing for children brought him lasting fame, though he had already established a successful literary career prior to the Pooh books. The enduring appeal of When We Were Very Young is enhanced by the illustrations of E. H. Shepard, whose delicate line drawings complement Milne’s verse and help define the gentle tone of the collection. Together, Milne’s poetry and Shepard’s artwork created a lasting vision of childhood that continues to hold a cherished place in English literature.

Description

Bright blue leather boards with gilt decorations to upper board and lettering to spine. In original glassine wrapper and box. All edges gilt. Fully illustrated throughout. 

In 1925, Methuen decided to celebrate the success of Milne’s first book of children’s versus When We Were Very Young which was just going into its 10th edition. To do this they introduced these deluxe roan editions, producing them in beautiful bindings and with a higher quality finish.