Description

Offered here is an early edition of The Wizard of Oz book by L. Frank Baum the 2nd edition, 2nd printing. This edition published by Bobbs-Merrill and contains 16 color plates by W. W. Denslow. With unserifed “THE” at top of spine, identifying this as Binding B of the 2nd printing of the 2nd edition, according to the Book Collector’s Guide to Baum. Published sometime between the first printing in 1903 and the third printing in 1916. The plates are in the A variant position. The book also retains much of Denslow’s internal line art, which actually is nicer than the plates imo, and I’ve included some of it in the photos. Much of this art was removed in later editions.

Condition is good only, mainly because the spine has a lot of wear, with splitting to the cloth about 1″ at the top and 1″ at the bottom along the back side. Some fraying at top and bottom also. The cover graphics are in pretty good shape with some cloth loss to corners. Inside is much better–Denslow’s eyepopping poppy endpapers are clean and intact, though the spine is cracked at the next blank page, but holding. Owner’s name and address on one of the blank endpapers. All 16 color plates (including title page) are present and in excellent condition. The pages are generally clean and bright without writing or tears. Overall a decent copy of a quite hard to find true early edition, published during Baum’s lifetime.