Kästner, Erich

a working manuscript, written in pencil, with extensive deletions, corrections and revisions to the text, with some other pencil annotations, apparently autograph, also cancelled, containing, on p. 20, observations intended for the publisher, AND INITIALLED BY THE AUTHOR ("EK."), concerning the layout of the recapitulatory illustrations and accompanying text in the unnumbered introductory chapter ("...Ich befürchte, dass die Text-Blöcke, trotz versuchter Knappheit, pro Seite noch immer den Raum für Lemkes Illustrationen zu sehr einschränken..."),

296 foliated leaves, (one leaf fragment numbered "56" and other leafs numbered "56b", "119b", "186b" ) plus 7 unnumbered leaves, between folios 32 and 33, 49 and 50, 71 and 72, 91 and 92, 119 and 120, 140 and 141, 173 and 174, containing the chapter summaries, small 4to (21 x 14.8cm), written mostly on rectos only (leaves written on both sides), one of the chapter summaries written on a card printed on one side "Beethovenhalle 30. November 1966", modern fitted folder, no place or date, a few small stains

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."

THE AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT OF A COMPLETE BOOK BY KÄSTNER. It is the most significant by the writer to appear at auction in the last two decades.

Kästner's Der kleine Mann und die kleine Miss was the last of his books for children. Published in 1967 by Atrium Verlag, it forms the sequel to the 1963 children's story Der kleine Mann, and like the latter was also written for Kästner's son Thomas (born 1957). Both stories follow the adventures of the five-centimetre-tall Mäxchen Pichelsteiner and were delightfully illustrated by Horst Lemke. A particularly remarkable feature of the present manuscript are the extensive corrections and revisions, which provide a revealing glimpse into the creative workshop of the famously fastidious and elegant writer.