BRUNHOFF, Jean de.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Le Voyage de Babar. First edition, presentation copy, the front free endpaper verso with a full-page ink drawing of Babar and accompanying text. The title page is inscribed by the author, "A monsieur et madame Gregory - En souvenir de Montana et de leur excellent traduction hommage respectueux de l'auteur, Jean de Brunhoff". Original artwork by Jean de Brunhoff is rare.The ink drawing (200 x 250 mm) shows Babar in a milliner's shop talking to the shop assistant. The text in the artist's hand reads, "Babar - Je voudrais un chapeau pour Mr. Gregory. / Le vendeur - Voilà un modèle que je vous recommande. / Babar - Très joli! Vous l'enverrez aujourd'hui / de ma part à Mr. Gregory au Chalet La Fenière" ("Babar - I would like a hat for Mr. Gregory. / The Salesman - Here is a model that I recommend to you. / Babar - Very nice! You will send it today / from me to Mr. Gregory at Chalet La Fenière").Jean de Brunhoff was a regular visitor to the municipality of Crans-Montana in Switzerland due to his tuberculosis. In this, the second book in the Babar series, there is a resort based on Montana. Babar, Celeste, and the old lady take a rest for a few days before returning to the land of the Elephants, and "ils vont respirer le bon air des montagnes et faire un peu de ski" ("they are going to the mountains to enjoy the fresh air and try a little skiing"). A double-page spread depicts the scene, including the "Hotel Suisse", on pages 36-37.

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