Sendak, Maurice

oblong 4to (228 x 254mm.), FIRST EDITION, colour illustrations by the author, original green cloth-backed pictorial boards, FIRST ISSUE DUST-JACKET, minor chips to top edge, some minor spotting to inside of pictorial boards at head, dust-jacket slightly browned and soiled, very slightly frayed with closed tears at extremities

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

An ALMOST FINE copy of Sendak's classic dark evocation of childhood, offered here in the uncommon first state dust-jacket.

Once Sendak had won the Caldecott medal, copies were recalled to be reissued with a new dust-jacket noting the award. This copy, however, has the original first-state without any mention of the Caldecott medal. The upper flap includes the price of $3.50 in the top right corner and a three paragraph blurb followed by "HARPER & ROW, PUBLISHERS | 40-80 | 1163". The lower flap carries a further three paragraph blurb.

Controversial at the time of publication, the book quickly became one of the most important and best-loved of post-war children's books.