Paddington At Work By Michael Bond

Author: Michael Bond
Price: £225
Publisher: Collins, London, UK
Publication Date: 1966
Edition: First edition
Format: Original cloth gilt with dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in a very good plus dustwrapper
Size: 14.5cm x 20.5cm
Pages: 128

Description:

First edition. “Paddington At Work” is the seventh novel in the main series of Paddington books by Michael Bond. First published by Collins in 1966, this first edition is illustrated throughout by Peggy Fortnum. The binding is tight and the cloth is very clean and bright. There is very minor spotting to the top edge and rear endpaper and it is certainly a near fine, tight, clean copy in dustwrapper which has a small amount of wear to the top right hand corner of the front panel, minor edge wear, spotting to the rear panel and minor marks but is very bright and clean and in very good plus condition overall. This is a very nice copy indeed.

Summary of Paddington at Work:

In this book, Paddington finds himself in a variety of humorous and often slightly chaotic situations, showcasing his earnestness, good intentions, and penchant for getting into scrapes. Despite his best efforts to be helpful, Paddington’s adventures often lead, as usual, to unintended consequences.

Key Plot Points:

1. Paddington’s New Job: As the title suggests, one of the central themes of this book is Paddington trying his hand at various jobs. His attempts at working range from assisting Mr. Curry with his DIY project to helping out in an antique shop. Each job, of course, leads to comical mishaps, whether it’s accidentally re-gluing valuable antiques or causing mayhem with a carpet cleaner.
2. Visiting the Theatre: Paddington also experiences the world of the theatre when he is given the opportunity to participate in a local play. His enthusiasm, however, doesn’t quite match his understanding of theatre etiquette, leading to some amusing misunderstandings on stage.
3. The Art of the Antique: In another episode, Paddington visits an antique shop and inadvertently sets off a chain of events that could only happen to him. His innocent actions, while trying to clean and arrange items, create a whirlwind of confusion, but, as usual, Paddington’s charm helps to smooth things over.
4. Paddington at the Office: The bear even tries his hand at working in an office. This scenario brings out Paddington’s unique take on the business world, where his sense of order and logic doesn’t quite align with the usual office procedures, resulting in some hilariously chaotic moments.
5. Being Helpful at Home: Throughout the book, Paddington’s interactions with the Brown family and their neighbour, Mr. Curry, continue to add warmth and humour to the story. His constant desire to be helpful, despite sometimes causing more problems than he solves, endears him to both the characters in the book and the readers.

Themes and Style:

Paddington at Work maintains the charm and wit that have made the Paddington Bear series so enduring. The book emphasises themes of kindness, curiosity, and the importance of good intentions, even when things don’t go as planned. Michael Bond’s writing is both humorous and affectionate, making it appealing to both children and adults.

Illustrations:

Like the other books in the series, Paddington at Work is illustrated by Peggy Fortnum. Her pen-and-ink illustrations capture Paddington’s expressions and the humorous nature of his adventures perfectly, adding to the overall charm of the book.

Legacy:

Paddington at Work is a delightful continuation of Paddington’s adventures and remains a cherished part of the Paddington Bear series. It’s a testament to Michael Bond’s skill in creating a character that is universally loved and whose stories continue to be enjoyed by generations of readers.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: The seventh novel in the main series of Paddington books
• Original Illustrations: Illustrated throughout by Peggy Fortnum, whose drawings have become synonymous with Paddington Bear
• Collector’s Item: A rare first edition in lovely condition.
• Condition Details: Near fine in very good plus dustwrapper.

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