Yvette in the USA, with Titania's Palace, A True Fairytale (Signed first edition)

This copy signed by Beatrix, Countess of Wicklow, widow of author Nevile Wilkinson

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First edition. Hardback, bound in the original green cloth with gilt titling and design to spine and upper board. 20.5 × 13cm, 208pp.

Signed to the ffep "Beatrix Wicklow, Ballynastragh, June 26th 1955". Beatrix was the Countess of Wicklow and had been the first wife of the author, Nevile Wilkinson until his death in 1940 after which she married Cecil Howard, the 7th Earl of Wicklow. She had been closely involved in her husband's building of Titania's Palace, an intricate wooden dolls house in the form of a castle (it was tiny 18-room palace complete with miniature artwork, mosaic floors, and hand-bound tiny books), after their daughter Guendolen had told them she saw fairies in the roots of a sycamore tree at their home in Mount Merrion, Dublin. Beatrix was heavily involved with the global tours they took the dolls house on to raise money for children's charities.

Also included is a postcard with a printed message which states "To view Titania's Palace. The Countess of Wicklow at Home Every Day. Ballynastragh, Gorey. From Dublin and Arklow turn right at Tinnock Railway Bridge then second turn left".

Yvette in the USA is part of a charming series of travel and fantasy books by Wilkinson. While framed as a children's travel narrative as Yvette visits American locations, cities, and landmarks, the story weaves in stories of Grey Fairy magic, describing how the miniature court of Fairy Queen Titania experiences the New World. The book served a very real purpose: it was a promotional and fundraising vehicle for Titania's Palace.

Illustrated throughout with monochrome plates showcasing the rooms, furnishings, and details of the Palace alongside photos from the American tour.

Condition

Good plus condition. There is light bumping to the green cloth at the spine ends and foxing to the page edges. Light tanning to the prelims but the main body of text in good, clean condition with secure binding.

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