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 good condition overall; please view the many photos. This copy was actually in my personal collection before I acquired a signed copy. The book is in fragile paper-covered boards and so some of the paper on the spine is missing, with a little splitting starting at ends of boards, though better than is typical. Some wear to edges and corners. Inside, both hinges are intact, but the binding is cracked at the half-title page. One of the rear endpapers has a tear that has been neatly reglued. The other pages have significant finger soiling, but no writing and tears. Now with a custom clear archival cover. A hard to find true first!
