First American Edition, First Printing — Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York With “Published October 1908” and Scribner Seal Present
 
A truly outstanding example of the U.S. First Edition, First Printing of Kenneth Grahame’s beloved classic, issued simultaneously with the Methuen edition on October 8, 1908. As required for the true first, this copy bears the 1908 date on the title page and the copyright page statement “Published October 1908” along with the Scribner seal — points that distinguish it from the two documented December reprints later that year.
 
Description ~ 8vo, 302pp. With the W. Graham Robertson frontispiece — the sole illustration in both the U.S. and U.K. first editions, before the book’s later fame was shaped by the Shepard and Rackham illustrations. Bound in the publisher’s dusky green linen cloth, gilt‑stamped titles to front board and spine, and the thick gilt rule to the front cover. Gilt topstain still bright and handsome.
Condition ~ A near fine and exceptionally fresh example — one of the nicest first printings currently on the market. Interior clean, bright, and unmarked. Light rubbing to corners and spine tips; a tiny scrape to the paper on the front flyleaf; and a small tear to the tissue guard over the frontispiece. The cloth remains unusually vivid, the gilt strong, and the overall presentation far superior to what is typically encountered.
 
Notes ~ Both the Scribner and Methuen first editions are identifiable by their Robertson frontispiece and lack of further illustration — a production choice reflecting publishers’ early caution before the novel’s rise to classic status. U.S. first printings are notably scarce, especially in such sharp condition.