Description
Here is a rare first edition of the Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, one of L. Frank Baum’s earliest books. Many different editions of this book exist, but this is the most desirable. Not only is this the Bowen-Merrill 1902 first edition, but also a first printing complete with all 20 color plates by Mary Cowles Clark! Much less common than the 12-plate later printing, and very difficult to find in complete condition. Section Headings are Book First, Book Second, Book Third (as opposed to 2nd state’s Youth, Manhood and Old Age).
This book is in good but not very good condition, with some flaws. The front cover is quite nice, with a little rubbing to the white areas, but still bright and attractive. The spine lettering is nice but the cloth is splitting along rear edge–about 3” at from the bottom up. The rear cover has a little crease and stain on the edge. Inside, the front hinge is badly cracked, but holding, and the front endpaper has a large chip at corner. There is also a bookplate on the back of that endpaper. The rear hinge is slightly split, with some damage to the top and bottom of the rear fixed endpaper. The other pages are in very nice condition, clean and tight. All 20 color plates are present, intact and in near fine condition overall.
