THE NAVY ALPHABET
By Baum, L. Frank
First and only edition of this rare alphabet book, published the same year as Baum's breakout WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. Early in 1900, Baum and Denslow's illustrated book of rhymes, FATHER GOOSE, became a surprise breakout hit as the best-selling picture book of the year. Its success paved the way for four more books by Baum the same year, including the NAVY ALPHABET and THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. The luscious color plates of the NAVY ALPHABET, and indeed, the entire conceit of the work, was meant to piggyback on the success of Baum's book before Baum's meteoric rise as the creator of Oz. Very scarce in this condition. 12.25'' x 10''. Original quarter red cloth, paper pictorial boards. Leaves printed on rectos only, each with a large color-printed illustration by Harry Kennedy below alphabetical text in verse lettered by Charles Costello. Slight cover soil, edges rubbed a bit as usual, front hinge and corner of front blank endpaper repaired; a bit of marginal soiling here and there, else a nice clean copy.
Published by: George M. Hill Company, Chicago, 1900
Vendor: Type Punch Matrix
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By Baum, L. Frank
First and only edition of this rare alphabet book, published the same year as Baum's breakout WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. Early in 1900, Baum and Denslow's illustrated book of rhymes, FATHER GOOSE, became a surprise breakout hit as the best-selling picture book of the year. Its success paved the way for four more books by Baum the same year, including the NAVY ALPHABET and THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. The luscious color plates of the NAVY ALPHABET, and indeed, the entire conceit of the work, was meant to piggyback on the success of Baum's book before Baum's meteoric rise as the creator of Oz. Very scarce in this condition. 12.25'' x 10''. Original quarter red cloth, paper pictorial boards. Leaves printed on rectos only, each with a large color-printed illustration by Harry Kennedy below alphabetical text in verse lettered by Charles Costello. Slight cover soil, edges rubbed a bit as usual, front hinge and corner of front blank endpaper repaired; a bit of marginal soiling here and there, else a nice clean copy.
Published by: George M. Hill Company, Chicago, 1900
Vendor: Type Punch Matrix
