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. 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 good overall condition. The front cover is in good condition, the spine has some darkening (but not as much as it appears in the photo), and the rear cover has light staining. Interior binding is tight, front endpapers have some staining, and several of the pages have edge tears where someone apparently tore open the gatherings rather than cutting them neatly.
