BAUM, L. Frank. Illustrated by W.W. Denslow.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Chicago & New York: Geo. M. Hill Co. , 1900.
$15,000.00
In Stock
Item Number: RRB-151921
+$450
"A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others": First Edition, first printing of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
First edition, first state of text (in Bienvenue & Schmidt's binding B) of “the first truly enduring American fantasy” (Connolly, 38). Octavo, original publisher's pictorial light green cloth stamped in red and green, publisher’s imprint to the spine "Geo. M. Hill Co." stamped in sans-serif type, illustrated by W.W. Denslow with 24 color plates, illustrations in text, and on paste-downs (issued without endpapers). First state of text with misprints "low wail" on page 14, "pieces" on page 81, and "While Tin Woodman" on page 271. illustrated title in Blanck's state A with no copyright stamp at verso, the plate showing Dorothy holding Toto by the ear appears opposite page 12 instead of page 14, with plates opposite pp. 34 and 92 in the uncorrected first state, rear pastedown featuring the 11-line colophon enclosed in a decorative border; in Bienvenue & Schmidt's binding B. In very good condition, neat reinforcements, expertly restored and reinforced, gift inscription to the front free endpaper. A very sharp example.
L. Frank Baum worked in many trades before he wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, including publisher, poultry breeder, door-to-door salesman and newspaper editor. "Among the five Baum titles published in 1900, preeminent even then was The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The New York Times found it 'bright and joyous' and omnisciently offered, 'It will indeed be strange if there be a normal child who will not enjoy the story.' The first edition was a picturesque novelty with its 24 color plates and many line drawings; Denslow's conceptions of the characters and landscapes contributed immeasurably to the book's popularity" (Fricke, 22). Baum "set out to change children's books and made a lasting contribution to American literature. The Wizard of Oz has entered American folklore. It reflected and has altered the American character" (Hearn, xiii). "Those who read the Oz books are often made what they were not - imaginative, tolerant, alert to wonders, life" (Gore Vidal).
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
$15,000.00
In Stock
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