Wonderful Wizard of Oz by BAUM, L. Frank - 1900: With pictures by W.W. Denslow.

Chicago: Geo. M. Hill Co, 1900. DENSLOW, W.W.. First edition, first state of text. With the first state of the Moon plate facing p. 34, having the two dark blue blots on the moon. The publisher's imprint at foot of spine in red in plain, unserifed type, with "CO." set in ordinary fashion, (only a few unobtainable presentation copies with the green publisher's imprint we issued before this issue). The verso of the title-page plate is blank, bearing no copyright notice. Also with the following first issue points: on p. [2], the publisher's advertisements are boxed; on p. 14, line one begins "low wail on..."; p. 81, fourth line from bottom has "peices"; p. [227], line 1 begins: "While Tin Woodman..."; and the colophon in eleven lines and boxed, with the initial letter in color; with perfect type in the last line of p. 100 and p. 186. and the plate facing p. 92 in the first state with the red shading on the horizon. In the second state of binding (Binding B), "Binding A, with the publisher's spine imprint in green, is relatively uncommon and associated with the very early prepublication copies." (Bienvenue, pg 4). Quarto (8 3/8 x 6 1/2 inches; 212 x 164 mm). 259, [1, blank], [1], [1, blank] pp. Twenty-four inserted color plates (including title).

Original light green cloth pictorially stamped and lettered in red and a darker green Pictorial pastedown endpapers (issued without free endpapers). Spine extremities and outer hinges with a bit of rubbing and chipping. Boards with some light soiling and a few minor light red stains to front board. Front inner hinge with a bit of expert restoration. Previous owner's old ink inscription on the first blank. Overall, an exceptional copy of a extremely popular children's book which therefore is usually found in quite poor condition. Housed in a full dark green morocco clamshell.

Blanck, Peter Parley to Penrod, pp. 111-113. Greene and Hanff, pp. 25-27.

HBS 67769.

$26,500.