BAUM, THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ, 1900, FIRST ISSUE TEXT WITH VARIANT B BINDING (1 VOL.)

4to (211 x 160mm.), FIRST EDITION, FIRST STATE TEXT, pictorial title-page and 23 plates printed in colour, first state (dark-blue spots present on moon facing page 34 and red shading on horizon removed from plate facing page 92), together with numerous illustrations in the text, all by W.W. Denslow, original light green cloth blocked in red and darker green with red publisher's spine imprint (Variant B), loose leaf from another copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz inscribed by Frank L. Baum ("For Miss Loeper | with sincere regards of | L. Frank Baum | Chicago | Oct 1st | 1901"), previous ownership inscription on front free endpaper, front free endpaper detached, some spotting and browning, occasional minor tears to extremities of leaves, occasional folds, covers somewhat spoiled with some loss at top and bottom of spine, bumped

Hanff/Greene I(1) binding B

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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 first true American fairy tale in the first state of the text.