Secret Water First edition 1939

Jonathan Cape, London - hardback

The original price was seven shillings and six pence (modern currency 35 pence). Dedicated to "The Busk Family", Colonel Busk, who with his wife and children Jill, Michael and John sailed the yacht "Lapwing" at the time when the Ransomes sailed the "Nancy Blackett" from Pin Mill. The Lapwing's dinghy was called "Wizard" and also appears in Secret Water.

The first edition has an interesting mistake in that the illustration of the Mealdial (page 61) is set up for the southern hemisphere! It was soon corrected. Copies of this edition with wrapper can sell for up to £250.



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