The Tale of Mr Tod
Beatrix Potter (London 1866 - Near Sawrey, Cumbria 1943)
Category
Manuscripts and documents
Date
1911
Materials
Ink, Paper, Pencil
Measurements
205 x 165 x 4 mm; 56 pages (Extent)
Order this imageCollection
Beatrix Potter Gallery, Cumbria
NT 242214
Summary
Manuscript of The Tale of Mr Tod, a brown 'St Paul's' exercise book. The Title is written in ink on the front cover (top centre) and on the first page. The text is written in ink on the right hand (odd numbered) pages only, with occasional alterations to the text made in pencil. There are no illustrations. This is one of three manuscripts of The Tale of Mr Tod. It is difficult to be certain which of the three is the earlier draft; but from close examination of the texts and alterations in comparison with the published version, the probable order of composition seems to be HIL.R.14 the earliest draft, HIL.R.13 the next draft, HIL.R.15 the latest draft. The opening paragraph was then altered for the published version. The earlier manuscripts are also difficult to date with certainty. The later version dates from 1911; in a letter to Warnes of 18 November 1911 concerning the story Beatrix states 'I wrote it some time ago. I have copied it out lately.' See also HIL.R.14 and HIL.R.15, two further manuscripts of The Tale of Mr Tod.
Makers and roles
Beatrix Potter (London 1866 - Near Sawrey, Cumbria 1943), writer