RICHTHOFEN THE RED BARON

First edition, first printing. Signed by the artist. Original pictorial boards, in dustwrapper. Illustrated throughout in colour and black and white by Raymond Briggs. A very good copy, the binding square and firm, the extremities lightly rubbed, the head of the spine with a tiny nick. There is a partially removed previous owner's name to the front free endpaper, the contents are otherwise clean throughout. Complete with the lightly rubbed and creased original dustwrapper that is very slightly spotted to the panels and has short closed tears to the foot of the spine and the top edge of the front panel. Not price-clipped (13s 6d on the front flap). Signed copies are scarce.

Signed by Raymond Briggs in blue ink on the front free endpaper. A picture book about the life and career of the German flying ace Manfred von Richthofen (1892-1918), known in English as The Red Baron, who is still recognised as one of the greatest fighter pilots of all time. A beautiful example of the multi award-winning illustrator's early work, in which can be seen the foundations of the sensitivity and atmosphere found in later picture books such as 'The Snowman' and 'The Man' that made him a household name. Part of the 'Briggs Books' series of illustrated books about historical figures.