Description
Here is a fabulous book, Denslow’s Night Before Christmas, designed and illustrated by W W Denslow of Wizard of Oz fame, published by Dillingham in 1902. This is the first edition in the scarce RED paper-covered wraparound cover, very hard to find, as it was quickly replaced with a sturdier and simpler cloth cover binding. With many incredible and clever full-page color illustrations by Denslow, each signed with the seahorse and “DEN”. Some of the pages actually show famous Baum/Denslow characters as toys in Santa’s bag: Mother Goose and the Tin Woodman of Oz! Also with a nice, hand-lettered introduction by Denslow’s friend Grace Duffie Boylan, not included in the later printings.
In fair to good condition overall; please view the many photos. The book is in fragile paper-covered boards and as is typical, much of the decorated paper on the spine is missing, and the book cover has considerable wear to edges and corners. Inside, the front hinge is mostly intact, but the binding is cracked at the half-title page. The rear free endpaper has a long tear and is about 2/3rd detached, with the rear hinge cracked, but holding. The other pages are complete and in very good condition, with no writing and tears. A true first, hard to find in any condition!
