The First UK printing published by Faber and Faber, London in 1954. The BOOK is in Very Good++ condition with a little pushing and fading to the spine tips. The white lettering to the spine remains very bright. Light toning to the text-block with a little spotting and offsetting to the blank end-papers. Free from inscriptions and erasures. The WRAPPER is complete and is in Very Good+ condition. A little rubbing and loss at the corners , folds and spine ends. Some small closed tears to the front upper edge and the upper and lower spine folds. Light age related markings and light spotting to the rear panel. The wrapper artwork looks striking in the removable Brodart archival cover. The book has been signed (without dedication) by the author to the half-title : 'Yours sincerely, Lucy M. Boston'. A very scarce early title from the author who would go on to to win the 'Carnegie Medal' for her 'Green Knowe' series.