A Bear Called Paddington – Deluxe Edition With Full Colour Illustrations

Author: Michael Bond
Price: £45
Publisher: Collins, London, UK
Edition: First edition thus
Publication Date: 2013
Format: Original cloth gilt with dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in near fine dustwrapper.
Pages: 144

Description:

 
Binding nice and tight. Pages nice and clean. Near fine in near fine, slightly creased dustwrapper.

‘A Bear Called Paddington’: A Brief Account

 
“A Bear Called Paddington” introduces readers to a small, polite, and exceedingly well-meaning bear who unexpectedly arrives at Paddington Station in London, setting in motion a heart-warming series of misadventures. Clad in a battered old hat and later famously outfitted in a duffle coat and Wellington boots, Paddington Bear is found sitting on a suitcase with a note around his neck that reads: “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” He has travelled all the way from “darkest Peru,” having been sent by his Aunt Lucy, who could no longer care for him. The Brown family — Mr and Mrs Brown and their children, Judy and Jonathan — happen upon him at the station and, touched by his situation and impeccable manners, decide to take him home with them to 32 Windsor Gardens. From this point forward, Paddington becomes part of their family and the fabric of their daily lives.

The book unfolds as a series of episodic adventures, each one filled with humour, mishaps, and Paddington’s unique approach to the world. Though he always means well, his innocence and unfamiliarity with human customs often lead to chaos. He finds himself getting into all sorts of trouble: flooding the bathroom while attempting to take a bath, getting stuck in revolving doors, misunderstanding the rules of shopping, and causing confusion at a theatre outing. Yet he always manages to win over those around him with his honesty, determination, and a knack for turning even the worst situations into something amusing or unexpectedly successful.

Paddington’s character is defined by good manners, a deep sense of right and wrong, and a love of marmalade sandwiches — which he often keeps under his hat “for emergencies.” He is unfailingly polite, often addressing others as “Mr” or “Mrs,” and he approaches every experience with curiosity and optimism, even when things don’t go quite to plan. The Browns are patient and affectionate, embracing the eccentricities Paddington brings into their home. Mrs Bird, the Browns’ no-nonsense housekeeper, is initially sceptical but soon becomes fond of him, often providing a stern voice of reason. The dynamic between Paddington and the human world is gentle and affectionate, full of warmth and gentle comedy, with the bear’s unique perspective highlighting the absurdities of everyday life.

London itself provides a vibrant backdrop to Paddington’s adventures. From bustling shops to tidy suburban homes, the city is seen through the eyes of someone discovering it anew, giving familiar settings a fresh, whimsical quality. Visually, Paddington’s world is brought to life through charming descriptions and evocative scenes. The imagery is soft and comforting, blending classic British domestic life with the delightful surprise of having a talking bear at its centre.

“A Bear Called Paddington” is more than just the story of a bear lost and found — it is a tale of kindness, acceptance, and the joy of welcoming the unexpected. Through laughter, marmalade, and the occasional small disaster, Paddington Bear makes his way into the hearts of those around him, leaving behind a trail of sticky paws and enduring affection.

Michael Bond: A Short Biography

Michael Bond was a British author best known for creating Paddington Bear, one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature. His career as a writer spanned over six decades, during which he wrote numerous Paddington books, as well as other works for children and adults.

Early Life and Career:

• Born: January 13, 1926, in Newbury, Berkshire, England.
• Bond grew up in Reading, Berkshire, where his love for storytelling began. He was an avid reader and had an early fascination with writing, though he initially pursued other careers.
• During World War II, Bond served in the Royal Air Force and later worked as a camera operator for the BBC.

Creation of Paddington Bear:

• The idea for Paddington Bear came to Michael Bond in 1956, when he saw a lonely teddy bear sitting on a shelf in a London shop near Paddington Station. Bond bought the bear as a gift for his wife and was inspired to create a character around it.
• Bond wrote the first book, A Bear Called Paddington, in just ten days. It was published in 1958, introducing the world to the small bear from Darkest Peru who arrives at Paddington Station with a note that reads, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.”
• The Paddington books were an immediate success, with readers falling in love with the bear’s politeness, curiosity, and well-meaning mishaps. Bond’s witty, warm writing style and the gentle humour of Paddington’s adventures made the series timeless.

Paddington Bear’s Impact:

• The Paddington Bear series has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide.
• Bond wrote more than 20 books about Paddington, including sequels such as More About Paddington, Paddington Helps Out, and Paddington at Large.
• Paddington became a British cultural icon, and the stories were adapted into multiple TV series, stage productions, and two highly successful live-action films, Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017), with Ben Whishaw providing the voice of Paddington.

Other Works:

• While Paddington Bear was his most famous creation, Michael Bond also wrote other children’s books. His series about Olga da Polga, a guinea pig with a lively imagination, was another favourite.
• Bond also wrote for adult audiences, including a series of detective novels featuring Monsieur Pamplemousse, a retired French detective and food critic who solves culinary-related mysteries with his loyal bloodhound, Pommes Frites.

Personal Life:

• Bond lived much of his life in London, close to Paddington Station, which played such a crucial role in inspiring his most famous creation.
• Despite his success as a writer, Bond remained modest and down-to-earth. He often expressed that he wrote Paddington stories because they made him happy, and he was always delighted by the bear’s popularity with readers of all ages.

Awards and Honours:

• In recognition of his contribution to children’s literature, Michael Bond was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1997 and later a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015.
• Paddington Bear’s influence has extended far beyond literature. In 2000, a statue of Paddington was unveiled at Paddington Station, and the character remains a beloved figure in British culture.

Death and Legacy:

• Michael Bond passed away on June 27, 2017, at the age of 91. His legacy endures through the enduring popularity of Paddington Bear, who continues to delight new generations of readers and viewers.
• Bond’s ability to create a character who embodied kindness, curiosity, and good manners made Paddington a universally beloved figure, one that resonated with readers across cultures and ages.

Bond’s warm, humorous stories have left a lasting impact, and his creation of Paddington Bear has cemented him as one of the great figures in 20th-century children’s literature.

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