Henry Williamson – Tarka The Otter – His Joyful Water Life and Death in the Country of the Two Rivers – First Edition 1927

A first trade edition of Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson, with introduction by the Hon. Sir John Fortescue K.C.V.O., published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons, London in 1927, printed at the Chiswick Press of Tooks Court, London. A fine edition bound in publisher’s original brown cloth with gilt titling to the spine, slight browning to the text block and ghosting to the front and rear free end papers. The near fine pictorial wrapper with sunned spine and minor chipping to the spine tips. Wrapper illustrated by Hester Sainsbury.

Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson is a poignant nature novel following the life of the otter Tarka, in the English countryside. The story chronicles Tarka’s journey from birth to maturity, highlighting his struggles for survival against natural predators and human hunters. Williamson’s vivid descriptions and deep empathy for wildlife bring Tarka’s world to life, offering readers a powerful and immersive portrayal of nature’s beauty and harsh realities. The book is celebrated for its environmental themes and lyrical prose.