Cecil Aldin — Sleeping Partners

London, Eyre & Spottiswoode, 1929 . First edition. Cloth. A signed presentation copy of the first edition of this beautifully illustrated work on dogs by artist Cecil Aldin. A signed copy of the first edition, first impression of this work.With the charming inscription 'to Hubbub with [..] from Cracker', and with Aldin's signature, to the front free endpaper. A loosely inserted note explains that 'Hubbub' was the dog of Aldin's personal friend, Capt. Jock Harper, and that Cracker was Aldin's dog.This work features illustrations of Cracker, a bull terrier, and Mickey, an Irish wolfhound, resting together. The two dogs were Aldin's favourite models, and featured in many of his works.Illustrated with twenty colour plates by Aldin. Collated, complete.Retaining the front wrap only of the publisher's original dust wrapper. With a loosely inserted print of a photograph of a man and his bull terrier.Aldin's pre-eminence in canine illustration was recognized in the 'Times' obituary of 1935, which said &apos.. there never has been a painter of dogs to hold a candle to him&apos. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with front wrap only of the publisher's original dust wrapper. Bumping to back strip head and tail, otherwise externally excellent. Inscription to front free endpaper. Loosely inserted photographic print. Two minor closed tears to head of dust wrapper front wrap, with chipping and small losses to fore edge of wrap. Internally, firmly bound. Plates exceptionally clean and bright. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Cecil Aldin. Very Good Indeed/Fair.