Roald Dahl – Revolting Rhymes | Rare Appraisal Edition
Edition & Publication
Publisher: Jonathan Cape, London
Year: 1982
Edition: First UK Edition
Printing: First Printing (stated; £3.95 price present)
Size: 4to, unpaginated
Identifiers: ISBN 0‑224‑02932‑0; price £3.95 net on rear board; no jacket issued as published
Condition
- Boards: Laminated pictorial boards featuring Quentin Blake artwork; no tears or damage
- Dust Jacket: None issued (as published)
- Binding: Firm and square in original publisher’s illustrated boards
- Pages: Illustrated throughout in colour and sepia; minor foxing present to some inner pages
- Other Notes: No inscriptions or remainder marks; spine uncreased and binding tight
Appraisal Notes
Verification: Confirmed as true UK first edition by publisher imprint, copyright page, and price to rear board
Significance: This was Dahl’s first children’s poetry book, showcasing his subversive and humorous retellings of six classic fairy tales
Additional Details: Illustrated by Quentin Blake in what would become his most recognisable style; a foundational work in the Dahl-Blake collaboration
Reference Comparisons: Near-fine first editions with similar condition range AUD $250–400, depending on presentation and foxing severity
Blurb / Summary
Revolting Rhymes turns beloved fairy tales on their heads with Roald Dahl’s signature wit and deliciously twisted humour. From Cinderella’s gruesome surprise to Little Red Riding Hood’s unexpected armament, these verses are as clever as they are mischievous. With Quentin Blake’s kinetic, expressive illustrations throughout, this first edition captures the dark delight that has enthralled generations of children and collectors alike.
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