“HE HAD BEEN THE FIRST ENGINE ON THE LINE”

AWDRY, W[ilbert]. Duke the Lost Engine. London: Kaye & Ward, (1970). Oblong 12mo, original pictorial blue paper boards, original dust jacket. $700.

First edition of the 25th book in Awdry’s cherished Railway Series, with 27 vibrant color illustrations and two double-page tinted pictorial flyleaf spreads.

Initially a way to entertain his measles-stricken son, Awdry's beloved series of stories starring steam engines with personality—including the gruff old engine named "Duke" in this title—lasted for 28 years. "Not only does Awdry's splendid Railway series seem not to have suffered a jot from the passing of the age of steam, but it seems to have blossomed into a truly permanent landmark in 20th-century children's books" (Connolly, 29).

Book about-fine, dust jacket extremely good with light soiling and minor wear to extremities.