The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse [and] The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse: The Animated Story

Ebury Press. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse [and] The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse. The Animated Story.  London: Ebury Press, 2019 [and] London: Ebury Press, 2022 4to., 2 vols. The first bound in decorative boards backed in maroon cloth; lettered in gilt to spine with pale gold marker; decorative musical stave endpapers; printed and illustrated throughout with drawings in line and colour by Macksey; [unpaginated]; a couple of very small marks and dents to boards, internally clean, a near-fine copy; Vol II in decorative boards lettered in gilt; similar musical endpapers, and new illustration in full colour by the author; also [unpaginated]; a couple of small scratches to lower board, else fine.  First editions both. Volume I is the true first, specially printed for Waterstones, with Maroon spine and full number line 1-10. Volume II is the first edition of the Animated Story, first impression, signed by the author with a kiss to the ffep. Loosely laid in are several ephemeral items, including a promotional postcard, flyer for the Cheltenham Literature Festival, and a cutting from the Festival brochure, indicating an event with the author, presumably where this volume was signed.  The unlikely journey between four friends: a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox and a wise horse. Paired with Mackesy's beautifully poignant quotes and illustrations, the group travel together, navigating difficult terrain, sharing new discoveries and fears, and ultimately overcoming adversities.  Written in 2019, the book skyrocketed in popularity during the Covid 19 pandemic, during which time a huge number of fans took solace in its depictions of hope and courage in the face of adversity. A special edition was later produced in homage to NHS workers, which saw a new image produced featuring a rainbow.  On Christmas Eve 2022, an animated adaptation of the book aired on BBC one, featuring Tom Hollander and Idris Elba as the voices of the mole and fox respectively. The short film won the Best Animated Short Film Academy Award on the 12th March 2023.  . Near Fine. Hardcover. 1st Edition. 1st Printing. 2019.