A Bear Called Paddington

First published in 1958, this children's novel introduces a talking bear from Darkest Peru who arrives at Paddington Station with a label asking that he be looked after. The Brown family of Windsor Gardens take him in and name him Paddington. Subsequent chapters follow household disasters caused by his literal-mindedness and his taste for marmalade: a bath, shopping, a trip to the theatre, decorating, and a visit to the seaside. Mr Gruber, the antique dealer, and the housekeeper Mrs Bird appear as allies. The book is a sequence of comic domestic episodes, not a single quest.

Bound in yellow cloth with image in black on coves and title in red and black on cover and spine. Dark blue slipcase gilt printed with lettering and pawprints.