PADDINGTON MARCHES ON

Author: Michael Bond
Price: £395
Publisher: Collins, London, UK
Publication Date: 1962
Format: Original cloth with dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in a very good indeed dustwrapper
Size: 14.5cm x 20.7cm
Pages: 128

Description:

“Paddington Marches On” is the sixth title in the beloved Paddington Bear series by Michael Bond. First published by Collins in 1962, this first edition features charming illustrations throughout by Peggy Fortnum. The binding is nice and tight. Cloth bright and clean. Neat ink name to the front free endpaper. There is very faint and minor spotting to the text block. This copy is near fine and the price-clipped dustwrapper is very good indeed, bright, fresh, and clean with very slight spotting and a short closed tear to the rear panel. This is a very nice copy indeed.

‘Paddington Marches On’: A Brief Account

 
“Paddington Marches On” follows the ever-curious bear from darkest Peru as he embarks on another delightful collection of adventures, once again bringing chaos, charm, and cheer to the lives of the Brown family. With his trademark politeness, earnest intentions, and a knack for stumbling into unexpected situations, Paddington manages to turn the most ordinary moments into unforgettable escapades.

The book is structured as a series of connected episodes, each showcasing Paddington’s unique perspective on everyday life. Whether he is at home in Windsor Gardens or out exploring London, he always finds himself caught up in situations that spiral amusingly out of control — yet somehow, through wit or accident, things often turn out surprisingly well.

The story begins with Paddington becoming deeply interested in do-it-yourself home improvement. Inspired by the idea of being helpful, he decides to redecorate the Brown family’s sitting room. Predictably, the outcome is far from what he intended. A spilt tin of paint, confusion over wallpaper paste, and some ambitious ideas involving stencils result in a colourful disaster — one that requires quick thinking and plenty of clearing up.

In another episode, Paddington becomes fascinated by the idea of fortune telling. Donning a headscarf and using a fishbowl as a crystal ball, he sets up shop as “Paddington the Great” — offering predictions to passers-by. Despite knowing very little about the art of clairvoyance, he manages to make surprisingly accurate guesses, baffling and impressing his “clients.” That is, until a misunderstanding involving a neighbour leads to an unfortunate but humorous mix-up, requiring some gentle intervention from Mrs Brown.

One of the most memorable chapters sees Paddington take part in a local dramatic performance. Cast in a play at the town hall, he takes his role extremely seriously, rehearsing with great enthusiasm and an abundance of marmalade sandwiches for energy. However, during the live performance, stage fright, costume confusion, and an unexpected collapse of scenery all contribute to a gloriously muddled spectacle — one that nevertheless brings the house down and earns Paddington a standing ovation. A further escapade unfolds when Paddington is sent on an errand to the chemist’s. What should have been a simple trip becomes a farcical adventure involving a mix-up over prescription labels, a runaway trolley, and a confused policeman. True to form, Paddington remains politely insistent throughout, never losing his sense of purpose — even when he ends up in quite the wrong place with entirely the wrong parcel.

The final episode centres around a special visit from a surprise guest, prompting Paddington to take it upon himself to prepare a celebratory meal. His approach to cooking — based more on imagination than instruction — leads to unusual ingredient combinations and questionable culinary techniques. Yet somehow, despite the smoke, the mess, and Snowy getting dusted with flour, the result is declared a triumph, with everyone agreeing that life is never dull with Paddington around.

Throughout “Paddington Marches On”, the bear’s irrepressible optimism, good manners, and unwavering belief in doing the right thing shine through. Each chapter ends on a note of gentle humour and warmth, reminding readers that mistakes can be mended, intentions matter more than perfection, and a marmalade sandwich can often help mend most things. This book celebrates the quiet joys of everyday life through the eyes of someone who sees the world with fresh curiosity. Whether decorating walls, telling fortunes, or treading the boards, Paddington marches on — with determination, dignity, and a suitcase full of heart.

Condition:

• Binding: Nice and tight with no significant wear.
• Pages: Very nice and clean throughout with minor spotting to the text block.
• Boards: Nice and bright.
• Dustwrapper: Very good indeed, bright and fresh, slightly spotted, with a short closed tear to the rear panel. Price-clipped.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: The sixth title in Michael Bond’s classic Paddington Bear series.
• Original Illustrations: Illustrated throughout by Peggy Fortnum, whose drawings have become iconic representations of Paddington Bear.
• Collector’s Item: Scarce in this condition.
• Condition Details: A lovely copy in a bright, clean dustwrapper.

Why Collect This Edition?

A copy in this lovely condition make it a significant addition to any fine collection of classic literature and children’s books.

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