After breaking the world record in July for a first edition copy of Arthur Ransome’s children’s book ‘Swallows and Amazons’, Tennants are offering another first edition copy of the children’s book , again in its very rare dust jacket and in remark condition.   The copy which sold in July achieved an auction world record price of £6,500 smashing the previous world record of £5,000 held by a London auction house. This copy is estimated to sell for £3,000-£4000.

Arthur Ransome was born in Leeds in 1884 and wrote ‘Swallows and Amazons’ in 1930.  This famous book is the first in a series of twelve by the author, all of which follow the same theme. It tells the story of children’s outdoor adventures in the Lake District – the Walker children, who sail a dinghy named ‘Swallow’, and the Blackett children, who sail a dinghy named ‘Amazon’. 

Today, the term ‘Swallows and Amazons’ is used as an integral part of our English language and is synonymous with idyllic country childhoods full of exciting adventures.  The book is still in print today, and remains popular with children and adults alike.

Other rare and interesting lots in the sale (unfortunately without dust jackets) include two books by J R R Tolkein – a first edition copy of ‘The Hobbit’ which is estimated to sell for £1,500-£2,500 and the trilogy ‘Lord of the Rings’ estimated at £600-£1,000.

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