MAY, Robert L.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
+$450
"IT WAS THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS, AND ALL THROUGH THE HILLS, THE REINDEER WERE PLAYING... ENJOYING THE SPILLS": FIRST EDITION OF ROBERT L. MAY'S RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
First edition, first state of this beloved Christmas tale, with elves loading Santa’s sleigh on page [6] and the tri-motor airplane on page [9], later changed to four-motor plane. Quarto, original pictorial wrappers, with 41 illustrations by Denver Gillen. In good condition. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. Rare.
Montgomery Ward and Company asked Robert May, a copywriter on its advertising staff, to write a booklet of Christmas verses as a premium for children to take home after visiting the department store’s Santa Claus. May produced Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, an endearing take on the familiar “ugly duckling” theme, written in verse that mimics “The Night Before Christmas.” The booklet, delightfully illustrated by Chicago-based artist Denver Gillen, proved so popular that Montgomery Ward continued to publish it until 1946. May subsequently sent a copy of Rudolph to his friend, songwriter Johnny Marks, who wrote the tune Gene Autry made famous.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
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