Hardback. First edition of the translation by Julia Donaldson of the nineteenth century paean to misery by German author Ludwig Bechstein. Her words are paired with her usual collaborator, Axel Scheffler, whose darkly comic illustrations capture this antidote to cheerfulness in all its misanthropic glory. First edition, first printing with complete numberline. Though best known for their children’s books (The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, etc.) This is not a children's book. Near fine, bright copy in very good dust jacket