New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1961
First edition. First issue, with the colophon stating “"Bound by H. Wolff, New York.” Inscribed by Dahl on the first free endpaper: “FOR CLARE / WITH / MORE / LOVE / Roald Dahl.” A very good copy. Boards with the bright red cloth, and the top edge of the text block yellow. Binding firm. Overall, bright and clean internally, though several pages slightly wrinkled with handling creases at the bottom. A closed tear at the bottom of page 19. No writings or marks, and the color plates in beautiful condition. Dahl's inscription showing a weakening felt tip towards the end, though undoubtedly permanent. The beautifully illustrated dust jacket, unclipped with the with the $3.95 on the front flap. A touch of loss to the head and heel of the spine, with little bits of wear and tear around the jacket. Verso unfoxed, and showing only a small smudge of red watercolor. A lovely copy, warmly inscribed by the author to the then six year old daughter of Arthur Ibbetson BSC, the cinematographer of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Dahl had signed for her a copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory “with lots and lots and lots of love,” and as such the present book “with more love.” One of the most lasting and widely read children’s novels, uncommon in the first issue, and very scarce inscribed. A marvelous association copy, with established provenance.