SEUSS, THE CAT IN THE HAT, 1957, FIRST EDITION, DUST-JACKET (1 VOL.)

8vo (227 x 161mm.), FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, unlaminated pictorial boards, illustrated endpapers, DUST-JACKET (with "200/200" printed on the upper flap, and no mention of Beginner Books series on the cover or jacket), blue chemise and morocco-backed collector's slip, head and foot of spine slightly worn, dust-jacket worn at edges with annotation in red ink on lower panel

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 TRUE FIRST EDITION OF SEUSS’ MOST POPULAR CHILDREN’S BOOK. After reading an article published in Life magazine in May 1954 bemoaning the lack of engaging books for children learning to read, Seuss was compelled to create a story which would delight young readers despite the necessary simplicity. Using only 236 words chosen from a list drawn up by his publishers, The Cat in the Hat quickly made Seuss a household name, reaching sales of nearly a million copies by 1960, and it is now one of the bestselling children’s books of all time.

Talking of the inspiration for the book's eponymous character, Seuss’ editor and lifelong friend Michael Frith explained, “The Cat in the Hat and Ted Geisel were inseparable and the same. I think there’s no question about it. This is someone who delighted in the chaos of life, who delighted in the seeming insanity of the world around him.”