The Gremlins. The Lost Walt Disney Production. A Royal Air Force Story. Dahl, Roald; Disney, Walt (Collab.).

First Dark Horse edition, first printing; a facsimile reviving the author's first book, which had previously only been published in the American (1943) and British (1944) editions. The work was originally intended as a promotional device for a feature-length Disney animation which was abandoned before completion. In his preface, Disney historian Leonard Maltin outlines the project's fascinating history. The production had cost Walt Disney $50,000 at the time of cancellation. Part of the difficulties laid in establishing copyright, as Dahl was at that time serving in the RAF where "gremlins" were traditionally blamed for mechanical failures. "It didn't take long for the name to become part of common language. If a book or pamphlet had typographical errors in it, one could always blame it on Gremlins who gummed up the works. [But] this in no way discredits Dahl's charming story or his invention of the details surrounding their origins" (p. vi). In a deal with the British Air Ministry, Dahl gave the royalties to the RAF Benevolent Fund. Quarto. Original red pictorial boards lettered in black and yellow, illustrated endpapers. With publisher's wraparound band. No dust jacket issued. Illustrated in colour and black-and-white, mostly by the renowned Disney animator Bill Justice (1914-2011). A fine copy.