Description
Here is an unusual early book with cover design by W.W. Denslow of Wizard of Oz fame: A Colonial Dame by Laura Dayton Fessenden. Early edition published by Rand McNally in 1897, with a beautiful stylized cover with gilt lettering and gilt top edge. Denslow’s seahorse totem is printed at lower left. The spine is also decorated. Denslow designed a number of elaborate book covers for Rand McNally during the 1896-1899 period. For more information see “W. W. Denslow” by Greene and Hearn, the Oz Enthusiast blog at http://theozenthusiast.blogspot.com/2008/05/denslow-covers.html, or the Spring 2015 Baum Bugle.
The small book has 220 numbered pages, and is in very good overall condition. The cover is in very good condition with light wear. Interior binding is tight, front endpapers have a large ink blob, bookseller’s pencil notes and old price, and an Antique Shop stamp. Pages are in good condition but there are pencil notations on a few pages. . Some age toning. A nice copy and a great start to your Denslow cover collection.
