GORHAM, Maurice (author). Edward ARDIZZONE (illustrator). Londoners. London Percivall Marshall. 1951

8vo.; original crimson cloth lettered gilt to spine, top edges olivine, pictorial yellow dustwrapper; pp. [viii] + 158, including index; with pictorial title and 22 full-page line illustrations of great charm, including one double-page;  near fine copy, externally and internally, with a neat contemporary gift inscription, dated 1951, to front free endpaper; the unclipped dustwrapper (with publisher’s paper label to front flap 12.6d)far nicer than is usual, with overall dust-soiling, especially to spine, 2 tiny chips to heel of spine, minor nicking to heel and forecorners, and two 1cm closed tears (neatly repaired to verso with archival tissue); an elusive and very popular title in its vulnerable jacket.

First edition.  A delightful account in words and pictures of the high and low life of London, chronicling the day-to-day in the street, at markets, parks, sporting venues, and pubs, etc.