Description
Here is a stunning copy of the 1st edition/1st printing of The Boy Fortune Hunters in Panama, by L Frank Baum. The Wizard of Oz author here is writing under a pseudonym, Floyd Akers. Published by Reilly & Britton (Chicago), copyright 1908, this matches the 1st edition, 1st printing points in the Book Collector’s Guide to Baum by Bienvenue and Schmidt (p. 283). What makes this printing so desirable is that unlike the others of the Boy Fortune Hunter’s series, this book contains not just one black and white frontis but FIVE plates (as issued) in eye-popping colors by Howard Heath.
This book is also in excellent, near fine condition, particularly unusual for one of Baum’s children’s books. The often chipped white and cream embellishments on the front cover are almost perfect, with just a tiny bit of loss on the N of Panama. The spine is clean and straight. There is light corner bumping and one small spot (~1/8″) to the top of the text block. Inside, there is a Christmas inscription on the front endpaper and a pencil bookseller’s notation. The hinges are tight. The pages are clean. And best of all, the 5 color plates are present, attached and in excellent clean condition. A beautiful copy for the serious collector of children’s books and Oziana.
