Literature
SENDAK, Maurice.
Where the Wild Things Are.
Harper & Row, [New York], [1963]. First edition, first issue. Oblong 4to, some pages printed off-register, which suggests this to be one of the earliest copies to come off the press. Publisher's cloth-backed pictorial boards and original pictorial dust jacket with very light edgewear and slight tanning. A very collectible copy.
Rare first edition of Sendak's most beloved book, in the jacket with no medal of the Caldecott award, nor mention of it, and with the proper text on the jacket flaps, as described by Joyce Hanrahan: "a three paragraph blurb on the book, and at the bottom 'Harper & Row, Publishers/ 40-80/ 1163.' The first paragraph is 6 lines long and reads, 'Maurice Sendak author-artist of the NUTSHELL LIBRARY... has written and illustrated a picture book little children will love.' The second, also 6 lines, reads 'Max, sent to his room... his adventures... form a unique and unforgettable experience.' The third, only 5 lines, ' Every child will recognize Max's feelings and his fantasy. And they, as well as adults, will revel in the rich, glorious pictures painted only as Sendak could paint them.' The inside rear flap of the dust jacket has a three paragraph blurb on Sendak." Hanrahan A58.
Price: £ 6500
US Dollar Price: $ 9430
Stock Number: 74139