WOODFORDE, Christopher (1907-1962). A Pad in the Straw. London: J.M. Dent and Sons, 1952. 8vo. [xii], 1-235 pp. Publisher's green boards with spine stamped gilt; original unclipped ("10s. 6d") dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, FIRST PRINTING.

This is the sole collection of supernatural stories from Woodforde, an Anglican priest known for his definitive studies of stained glass. The stories here contained are dedicated "to the eight boys who first asked me to tell them a story," having been written as bedtime stories for his New College choristers. "Set in the present day, many of them with schoolboys as their principal characters, they all have antiquarian interest, and the plots derive their excitement from the mysteries concealed in some old library or ancient church or prehistoric domain." 

Jacket rubbed, toned, with light marginal creasing and edge wear, spotting to rear, scuff at top, and tape repairs to spine block reverse. Boards lightly rubbed, corners bumped, toned at margins. Else near fine.