Description
Here’s one of L. Frank Baum’s lesser known books, Sky Island, actually owned by the second Oz author Ruth Plumly Thompson! The book comes with a 1987 note from Thompson’s niece, Dorothy Curtiss Maryott, saying “This copy of Sky Island was in R.P.T’s personal collection”. Maryott was interviewed in the Baum Bugle about her aunt, and the original note is written on the type of notepaper Thompson often used. Published in 1912 by Reilly & Britton, this is a first edition, first printing with six Baum books listed on the back of the half-title page. With gorgeous full color endpapers and 12 fabulous color plates by John R. Neill.
This book is in good but not very good condition–apparently Ruth was more of a reader than a careful collector. The cover pastedown is nice with light wear, as is the spine, but the rear cover has some discoloration as shown. Inside, both hinges have been reinforced with thin tape, hopefully archival, but I’m not sure–see photos. The eyepopping illustrated endpapers are beautiful, with a little fading to fore-edge. The Book Belongs To page is blank. The first few pages have a small notch in fore-edge, and some pages have brown staining as shown–perhaps Ruth eating ice cream? A couple page edge tears as well. All 12 plates are present and in excellent condition, so she must have appreciated the art.
