The Witches by Roald Dahl first edition 1983
London: Jonathan Cape, 1983
8vo., aquamarine publisher’s boards, lettered in gilt along the spine; in the unclipped pictorial dust jacket designed by Quentin Blake (£6.50 net); pp. [vi], 7-206, [ii]; illustrated throughout with line drawings by Quentin Blake; a near-fine copy of this classic children’s work, the pages ever-so-slightly toned, with spine tips a touch pressed; jacket, aside from some minor creases and a couple of spots to the rear flap, also near-fine.
First edition.
The Witches, one of Dahl’s best-selling books, tells the frightening story of a world in which Witches abound, occasionally gathering under the leadership of the Grand High Witch, who plots to turn all unsuspecting children into mice. Although now perceived to be one of his greats, the book received mixed reviews upon publication, but its popularity has remained and it has been adapted for film twice - once in 1990 and another in 2020, with Anne Hathaway in the lead role.