First Edition “The Snow Goose” by Paul Gallico (1951)

This is a significant first edition of Paul Gallico’s beloved novella “The Snow Goose,” published by Michael Joseph Ltd. in London in 1951. The copyright page reveals this as the first standalone book edition, following earlier magazine and illustrated publications.
Key bibliographic details:
• First published by Michael Joseph Ltd., November 1941
• Twenty-third impression by December 1950
• First illustrated edition by Peter Scott, December 1946 (sixth impression August 1950)
• First published in this edition: 1951 (making this the true first book edition)
The book features the iconic turquoise dust jacket with the flying snow goose illustration that has become synonymous with this classic wartime story. The jacket shows typical age-related wear including edge browning and minor soiling, but remains intact with clear text and imagery.
The story, set during WWII’s Dunkirk evacuation, tells of the relationship between a reclusive hunchbacked artist, a young girl, and a wounded snow goose. Critical acclaim is evident from the jacket quotes praising it as “A beautiful & deeply moving book” (Times Literary Supplement) and “A masterpiece” (Sir William Beach Thomas, Spectator).
The book is printed on quality paper by Tonbridge Printers Ltd. at Peach Hall Works, Tonbridge, and produced by John Dickinson at Croxley.