James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, Illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkert, First Edition, Second Printing, 1961

Dahl, Roald. James and the Giant Peach. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1961. Illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkert. First edition, second state. Octavo. In the publisher's original illustrated dust jacket, red cloth boards embossed on the front, with gilt titles to the spine. Illustrated in black and red with four full-color illustrations. 

Presented is a first edition, second state printing of James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. This book was published in New York by Alfred A. Knopf in 1961, bound by The Book Press, as stated in the four-line colophan page. It is presented in its original dust jacket and red cloth boards, blind stamped with a portrait of a boy encircled in a wreath, with gilt titles to the spine. It has charming illustrations by Nancy Ekholm Burkert, printed in black and red, as well as four color plates including the frontispiece. 

James and the Giant Peach was first released in the United States in October 1961 by Alfred Knopf, bound by H. Wolfe. Its imaginative content and growing readership prompted additional printings, including this second printing issued shortly thereafter, bound by The Book Press. Several printings of the US editions preceded the first UK edition, published in 1967. 

His first children’s book, James and The Giant Peach marked an important moment in Dahl’s career, as he transitioned from writing for adults to becoming a major figure in children’s literature. The story follows James Henry Trotter, a young orphan who escapes from his cruel aunts when he enters a magical giant peach. James embarks on a harrowing but thrilling journey with a group of anthropomorphic insect companions, travelling the world in the peach. Praised for its inventiveness, humor, and darker tone, the book helped establish Dahl’s signature voice and has since become a cornerstone of modern children’s fiction. Writing for The New York Times, Aileen Pippett called it “A lively fantasy by an expert at chilling adult blood”(1961). The book inspired numerous stage productions and a well-known 1996 film adaptation, directed by Tim Burton.

Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was a British writer born in Wales. Dahl served as a fighter pilot in World War II, before becoming an author. He first gained recognition for his adult short stories, often darkly comic, suspenseful mysteries. Dahl later became one of the most influential children’s authors of the twentieth century, writing celebrated books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, Matilda, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and many others. His writing is renowned for its wit, imagination, and darker twists, with reprintings and adaptations that continue to be cherished worldwide.

CONDITION: 

Near fine. First edition, Second state. Octavo. Original red cloth boards, front blind-stamped wreath around a portrait of a boy in profile, gilt titles to the spine. Illustrations in black and red, with color plates. "The Book Press" four-line imprint on colophon page. Light bumping to spine and upper corner of front board. Text block stable but with slight lean. Pages are clean, without creases or folds or tears, save five pages with light finger smudges. 

Very good+ dust jacket, price-clipped, with SBN 394-81282-4 on rear dust jacket panel. Jacket is lightly toned, with creases and chipping along the top. Wrapped in mylar. 

Dimensions: 10” H x 7 1/16” W x 3/4” D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.