Search results 1 Found

First editions of both parts in the original German. Throughout the 1870s, Johanna Spyri (1827-1901) published stories for adults and children based around her reminiscences of growing up in rural Switzerland. But huge success came with the publication of Heidi, the most important Swiss contribution to children's literature after the "Swiss Family Robinson" of J. R. Wyss. As usual with Christmas books, the first book was published in December 1879 but dated the following year. Spyri wrote the novel in just four weeks. It was first published anonymously in German, and quickly became an international best-seller and has been translated into 50 languages (in English c.1884, and in America as a single volume shortly afterwards), sold 50 million copies, and inspired a whole series of films. Volume I was issued without the author's name on the title page but "Von der Verfasserin von 'Ein Blatt auf Vrony's Grab'" ("From the author of."); volume II is titled "Heidi kann gebrauchen, was es gelernt hat" and was published as part V of "Geschichten für Kinder und auch für Solche, welche die Kinder lieb haben", this time under Spyri's name. Perhaps because of the fragile paper used, the first editions of the two parts of Heidi are scarce. Doderer III, 447; Hürlimann 310; Seebass II, 1930 ("rare", vol. 2 only); Wegehaupt III, 3633 (vol. 2 only); Weilenmann 3216 & 3233. Two vols, octavo. Original red cloth decorated in black and lettered in gilt, marbled edges, white glossy endpapers, vol. II with decorative endpapers, marbled edges. Housed in a custom red quarter morocco slipcase and red cloth chemise. Vol I: spine faded, perhaps recased and relined, a couple of spots to contents; vol. II: contemporary ownership inscription in ink on title-page. A little colour restoration to head of spine, hinges partly cracked but holding. An excellent set.