SEARLE, Ronald (illustrator). The King of Beasts and other creatures. London; Allen Lane. 1980.

Slim small 4to.; original laminated pictorial boards, pictorial endpapers, in repeat dustwrapper; pp. [56]; with Searle’s engaging cartoon illustrations throughout in full colour; a fine copy in an all-but-fine, unclipped dustwrapper (£5.95).

First edition.  “A five star dish for all” from the pen of the Man Most Animals Would Enjoy Eating Most! (preface).  A clever and occasionally poignant exploration of the hang-ups and idiosyncrasies of a host of creatures including the hypochondriac cow, the agnostic serpent, the fastidious rat and the repellent dog glowing under the impression that he is man’s best friend.