American author (1856–1919) best known for the children’s classic The
Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Signed book: American Fairy Tales. Chicago:
George M. Hill Company, 1901. Hardcover, 6 x 8.5. Signed and inscribed
on the first free end page, “Dear Dorothy—These stories are different
from other fairy tales, but I hope they will please you by way of
contrast & I had more fun writing them than any other book I have
published. Always yours, L. Frank Baum, Chicago, Oct. 30, 1901,” adding
“Miss Dorothy Roundtree,” below his signature. Autographic condition:
missing top left corner, and uniform toning to page, with a few spots of
trivial soiling, otherwise fine condition. Book condition: G+/None.
Off-white cloth-covered boards; edges worn, with several small tears in
cloth, mostly at corners and spine-ends; heavy rubbing and soiling to
exterior; painted illustration on front cover almost entirely rubbed
off; spine sunned; front board bows up slightly at upper corner;
moderately shaken with partial tears in paper over front and rear
hinges; few interior hinges cracked; upper corner of signed ffep torn. A
rare and sought-after literary signature, enhanced by Baum’s lengthy
inscription, and admission of the pleasure he had writing the book,
despite the fact that the Wonderful Wizard of Oz was enjoying
best-selling success. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR
Auction COA.
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