Memories of a Munchkin. An Illustrated Walk Down the Yellow Brick Road (ISBN: 0823091937)

New York: Back Stage Books, 2005. First Edition. One of a special signed edition issued by the publisher (not to be confused with the regular trade issue) limited to 500 copies signed by the author-actor, Meinhardt Raabe, on a special colophon page illustrated by Al Feldstein. The colophon page states “This collector’s edition is personally signed by Meinhardt Raabe” and then is hand-signed in ink “Meinhardt Raabe - Munchkin Coroner.” Raabe played the role of the unforgettable Coroner of Munchkinland who declares that the Wicked Witch of the East is officially dead in the film classic The Wizard of Oz.” The book is oversized and illustrated throughout with many photographs from Mr. Raabe’s career in show business as well as from his personal life. With more than fifty new drawings and illustrations by such noted artists as Al Hirschfeld (whose caricature of Raabe as the Munchkin Coroner and Judy Garland as Dorothy is on the front panel of the dust jacket), Frank Frazetta, Frank Kelly Freas, Sergio Aragones, Mort Drucker, Jack Davis, Drew Struzan, and others. As new in an as new dust jacket. Raabe’s appearance in The Wizard of Oz was his only film role, but his work in show business outside of the movies included work in various touring “midget villages” which were popular during the 30s and 40s. With much Wizard of Oz memorabilia and trivia information, including director Victor Fleming’s personal scrapbook, MGM’s master contract with the Munchkins, a complete collection of first-run posters and promotional material, and more. Mickey Rooney puts it best in his foreword: “This book is a special treat for Wizard of Oz fans, with its exquisitely detailed insight into the day-to-day filming and Meinhardt’s rare personal movie memorabilia and unpublished photographs of the set and cast. Everyone will enjoy this book, which, like the film, inspires and gives hope to each of us as we continue to follow our own yellow brick roads in search of what lies over the rainbow.”