First Dark Horse Edition, first printing; a facsimile reviving the author’s first book, which had previously only been published in the first American (1943) and British (1944) editions. The work was originally intended as a promotional device for a feature-length Disney animation which was abandoned before completion. In his preface, Disney historian Leonard Maltin outlines the projects fascinating history.
The production had cost Walt Disney $50,000 at the time of cancellation. Part of the difficulties laid in establishing copyright, as Dahl was at that time serving in the RAF where ‘gremlins’ were traditionally blamed for mechanical failures. “It didn’t take long for the name to become part of the common language… if a book or pamplet had tupographical errors in it, one could always blame it on the Gremlins who gummed up the works. (But) this in no way discredits Dahl’s charming story or his invention of details surrounding their origins” (p.vi). In a deal with the British Air Military, Dahl gave the royalties to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Quarto. Origional red pictorial boards lettered in black and yellow, illustrated endpapers. With publisher’s wraparound band. No dust jacket issued. Illustrated in colour and black-and-white, mostly by the renowned Disney animator Bill Justice.
First Dark Horse Edition, first printing; a facsimile reviving the author’s first book, which had previously only been published in the first American (1943) and British (1944) editions. The work was originally intended as a promotional device for a feature-length Disney animation which was abandoned before completion. In his preface, Disney historian Leonard Maltin outlines the projects fascinating history.
The production had cost Walt Disney $50,000 at the time of cancellation. Part of the difficulties laid in establishing copyright, as Dahl was at that time serving in the RAF where ‘gremlins’ were traditionally blamed for mechanical failures. “It didn’t take long for the name to become part of the common language… if a book or pamplet had tupographical errors in it, one could always blame it on the Gremlins who gummed up the works. (But) this in no way discredits Dahl’s charming story or his invention of details surrounding their origins” (p.vi). In a deal with the British Air Military, Dahl gave the royalties to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Quarto. Origional red pictorial boards lettered in black and yellow, illustrated endpapers. With publisher’s wraparound band. No dust jacket issued. Illustrated in colour and black-and-white, mostly by the renowned Disney animator Bill Justice.
