Description
Offered here is an early edition of The Wizard of Oz book by L. Frank Baum the 2nd edition, 2nd printing, Binding C with a serifed “THE” at top of spine. This book I picked up because instead of the normal green and red poppy endpapers, this book has them only in green, likely a printing error (both front and rear). This edition published by Bobbs-Merrill and contains all color plates by W. W. Denslow. This 2nd printing of the 2nd edition was published sometime between the first printing in 1903 and the third printing in 1916, according to the Book Collector’s Guide to Baum. 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.
Condition is good plus, with some flaws. The cover is in still attractive, with some scuffing to corners and spine ends, and along edges of spine. Inside, front hinge is cracked, and rear hinge is partially cracked at the bottom only. The odd endpapers are in nice condition, with a booksellers pencil notation in back. The pages are in quite good condition overall, with one gathering a little loose at the top and a small hole in p. 91. The 16 color plates (including title page) are in good condition, a few partially separated or with closed tears along the gutter or edges. Overall a decent copy of a quite hard to find true early edition, published during Baum’s lifetime, and with an odd printing quirk also.
