Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. by DAHL, Roald (1916-1990), [SCHINDELMAN, Joseph, illustrator]

New York, NY: Knopf, 1964.. FIRST EDITION. First issue, with the six lines of printing information on last page; later issues have five. TRUE FIRST, preceding the English edition by three years. Octavo, pp. 161. Bound in publisher's original red cloth, blind title to upper board with gilt titling to spine, top edge stained purple, yellow endpapers. In a pictorial dustjacket with Wonka chocolate bar decorating front panel. Dramatically illustrated throughout with rather peculiar artwork by Joseph Schindelman. A near-fine copy of the book, gift inscription to flyleaf c.1960s, a little edgewear to jacket. A clean, bright item. Dahl's story continues to divide critics; although hugely influential and consistently popular amongst adults and children alike, the book has faced the derision of certain readers. Literary historian John Rowe Townsend has described the book as "fantasy of an almost literally nauseating kind" and accused it of "astonishing insensitivity" regarding the original portrayal of the Oompa-Loompas [Written For Children!, Kestral Books]. Others have remarked upon the anti-Indian sentiment shown through the inappropriate naming of the Indian Prince 'Pondicherry'. A tale fated to provoke an intense emotional response in its readers.