A beloved 1930s classic about a young English girl who dreams of winning the Grand National with her horse, The Pie.
Details
• Measurements: 8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Format: Hardcover with dust jacket
• Page count: 303
• Publisher: William Morrow and Company, New York
• Year: 1935
• Author: Enid Bagnold
• Illustrator: Laurian Jones
• Genre: Fiction / Horse Racing / Coming-of-Age
• Edition: Book-of-the-Month Club Selection (May 1935)
• Historical context: Published during the interwar years, this novel captured the spirit of youthful determination and Britain’s love of horses.
• Suggested uses: Reading, gift for equestrian enthusiasts, or display in a vintage library.
• Printed in the U.S.A. by The Haddon Craftsmen, Inc., Camden, N.J.
Condition Grade: Good
Notes: Dust jacket shows chipping, small tears, and edge wear with some spine loss; boards show light rubbing along edges. Binding remains sound, pages clean with mild toning consistent with age.
See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
Collector’s Note
National Velvet is a cornerstone of 20th-century British fiction—beloved for its spirited heroine, Velvet Brown, and her audacious dream to ride in the Grand National.
This 1935 Book-of-the-Month Club selection brought Enid Bagnold international acclaim and inspired the Oscar-winning 1944 film starring Elizabeth Taylor. A beautiful piece of literary and equestrian history, perfect for collectors of early 20th-century novels or horse-themed classics.
About the Author Enid Bagnold
Enid Bagnold (1889–1981) was a British novelist and playwright best known for National Velvet. She also authored A Diary Without Dates and The Chalk Garden. Her works often explore courage, independence, and the inner lives of women. Perfect for collectors of classic British fiction and horse literature.
Disclaimer:All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Please Note:
These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.
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About Reading Vintage: At Reading Vintage, I curate unique, well-loved books and vintage collectibles for collectors and curious minds alike.
