The Angel and the Donkey

London: Hamish Hamilton, 1969. First edition. Cloth. Near Fine/Near Fine. 7.5" by 10". Edward Ardizzone. A beautifully illustrated advanced review copy for Reeves' religious children's book, with colour illustrations by Edward Ardizzone. First Edition, Review Copy. In the original unclipped dust wrapper. Illustrations include numerous in-text and full page illustrations throughout the work. This is a colourfully illustrated children's book which retells the Old Testament story of Balaam and his donkey. This tale involves 'a donkey that talks, a shining angel with a terrible sword, an invading army, and a wise man who is tempted to behave foolishly'. James Reeves (1909-1978) was a British writer who was mostly known for his contributions to children's literature as well as traditional songs.Illustrated by Edward Ardizzone (1900-1979), an English painter, critic, and war artist. He contributed illustrations to a range of texts, mostly children's books. With the review copy leaflet from Hamish Hamilton loosely inserted into text. Collated, complete. In the publisher's original cloth binding, in the original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, excellent, with no noticeable faults other than a bit of bumping to the spine. Dust wrapper is excellent, with minimal edgewear and very light age-toning to the top edge of the fly leaves. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are very bright and clean throughout. Colour illustrations remain bright. Near Fine