Description
Here it is: the true 1st edition book of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum, published in 1900 by George M Hill Co (Chicago). This is not only the true 1st edition, but also the 1st state of the text, with the publisher’s ad in a box in the front, an 11-line colophon enclosed in a box at the back, and the misprint “While Tin Woodman” on p. [227]. (Reference: The Book Collector’s Guide to L Frank Baum.) The book also includes 24 color plates, however the one opposite p 14 , which is often missing, has been replaced by a facscimile plate. The plates are coated only on the front side and the one opposite p. 34 has the dots on the moon and the one opposite p. 92 does not have shading on the horizon, making this State B of four different combinations of the color plates. As explained by Michael O Riley in his “New Bibliographic Description” book, the plate with the shading on the horizon ran out well before the one with the moon dots did, making this particular combination of plates still used with the first state of the text block. The binding is the “B” binding with the publisher’s spine imprint in red in unserifed type.
OK, now that we’ve got that technical details out of the way, let’s talk about condition. The book has been restored by expert Sophia Bogle of SaveYourBooks: https://us.amazon.com/stores/author/B07R8DP8Y3/about. This includes expertly rebacking the book, inserting one facsimile plate near the front, repairing the plate of Glinda near the back with some new material at the base, and replacing three leaves in the back with trimmed-down ones from the second edition (which used the same printing plates and they look great). The front cover is still very attractive, though the spine and rear cover have some age-darkening as shown. Inside, there is a bookplate and name of Hazard Adams (Is he any relation to Grizzly Adams?) as well as Jamie Winchester. Crease and small edge repair to front free endpaper. The other pages are in overall very good condition, with occasional finger soiling and a little staining near the top in the beginning. The title page and color plates are in nice condition for the most part except as described above, though some of them have a little staining at the top left margin, not affecting the art. Quite clean for the most part and many of the plates are in near pristine condition. Overall a nice copy for this difficult to find edition, now that the restoration is complete. The only first text state I’ve been able to offer in 19 years of selling Oz!
I’ve tried to list all issues of note and have taken many photos of these and Denslow’s other intriguing illustrations. Please examine carefully. Shipping is $21.95 for Priority Mail, insured on this beautiful item!
