Description
Offered here is a nice 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 serifed “THE” at top of spine, identifying this as Binding C 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 near very good, with some wear to spine and cloth edges, soft and worn corners, possibly strengthening of rear gutter by prior owner. The cover graphics are in nice shape. Inside, Denslow’s eyepopping poppy endpapers are pretty nice with a small 1/4″ tear to top of front one and former owner’s name. Hinges are tight. All 16 color plates (including title page) are present and in very good condition except for one that is ragged and missing a chunk at the border (shown in 10th photo). The pages are generally clean and bright with a couple small edge tears. Overall a decent copy of a quite hard to find true early edition, published during Baum’s lifetime.
