This illustrated account describes the extraordinary publishing history of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" and the life of its famous creator, English author Beatrix Potter (1866-1943). The author describes the genesis, successive editions, translations and "merchandising side-shows" (dolls, etc.) connected with Potter's most successful book. Potter's book follows the mischievous and disobedient young Peter Rabbit as he is chased about the garden of Mr. McGregor. The tale was written for five-year-old Noel Moore, son of Potter's former governess Annie Carter Moore, in 1893. It was revised and privately printed by Potter in 1901 after several publishers' rejections but was printed in a trade edition in 1902. The book was a success, and multiple reprints were issued in the years immediately following its debut. It has been translated into 36 languages and with 45 million copies sold it is one of the best-selling books of all time.