Stanton Hope — Smugglers&Apos; Gallows

London, Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1936 . First edition. Cloth. The scarce first edition of this thrilling children's adventure novel, illustrated throughout by Cecil Aldin. The scarce first edition, first impression, in the very scarce publisher's original dust wrapper, price clipped.Illustrated with a colour frontispiece, five plates, and numerous vignette illustrations. Collated, complete.The majority of these illustrations are the work of British artist and illustrator Cecil Aldin, best remembered for his depictions of dogs. This was one of he final works Aldin illustrated before his death in January 1935.Three illustrations are the work of R. G. Mathews.With a contemporary inscription to the front free endpaper, reading 'with love and best wishes this Christmas&apos.A delightful children's tale about smuggling along the Sussex coast, set while Nelson is fighting the French at sea. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with price clipped dust wrapper. Bumping to spine tail, otherwise externally excellent. Inscription to front free endpaper. Back strip age toned, with spotting and handling marks to wraps. Significant closed tear to back strip head, with price label to back strip. Further closed tear to head of rear wrap. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Near Fine . Ill.: Cecil Aldin; R. G. Mathews. Near Fine/Very Good.