Description
Here is an interesting variant on Musical Fantasies of L. Frank Baum by Alla T. Ford and Dick Martin. Published by Wizard Press, one of 500 first edition copies published in 1958! Illustrated in black and white with period photos and drawings by Martin. This variant is so rare it’s only described in a footnote of the Spring 1985 Baum Bugle article on Baum’s posthumous books:
“There is one additional variant. Dick Martin explains that he received the copies from the printer saddle-stitched with wire staples within an outer blank sheet, and with a backstrip of dark-blue cloth tape. He removed the tape and the extra outer sheet from all the copies he bound. A few copies, however, never received cover casings, and they retain the extra outer sheet and the blue cloth backstrip. They have appeared on the market described either as “unbound” or “bound in plain wrappers”. Described as binding “G” in the Book Collector’s Guide to Baum “number of copies unknown, but small”.
A great resource on Baum’ plays as well. From the dust jacket flap: “Everyone knows that L. Frank Baum wrote one of the great children’s books of all time, The Wizard of Oz, and many people are aware that he was the author of a host of other children’s tales of a distinctly American genre. But how many of even his most devoted fans have heard about his lively theatrical career? Here, for the first time, is the story of the stage ventures of L. Frank Baum; all these spectacular productions–the sensational successes–the dismal failures–and the shows that never were produced at all. Also, for the first time, here are three all but forgotten scenarios from his own pen (Maid of Athens, King of Gee Whiz, Pipes O’ Pan). Furthermore, this book offers a complete checklist of all Baum’s works including many hitherto unrecorded items, valuable details and first edition points. All this, and a wealth of rare posters, stagebills, and other Baumiana reproduced herein, will make The Musical Fantasies of L. Frank Baum a welcome, if not indispensible, addition to any library”.
The booklet is in good condition, with tear to fore edge of cover and staples are browning. Inside near new. An amazing reference.
