Scarce First Edition, First Printing of “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak – PRE LOC number

Description

First edition, First printing, (pre-LOC copy) of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Published by Harper & Row in 1963. This scarce copy does not have a Library of Congress Catalog Card Number (LOC number) on the copyright page.

 

This is an exceptionally scarce pre-LOC (Library of Congress) first edition, first printing of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Published by Harper & Row in 1963, this copy stands out for not featuring the LOC Catalog Card Number on the copyright page, an important bibliographical characteristic of the earliest copies.

The absence of the LOC number is an important detail that distinguishes this copy as one of the scarce earliest copies of this beloved children’s classic. Various authoritative sources concur with this fact, including the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA).

Condition:

All pages remain securely attached in the original sewn/thread-stitched binding, with no seam splits. The original stitching remains intact and secure. While some surface abrasions are noticeable, as seen in the gallery images, they do not diminish the clarity of the image on the front panel. There is minor wear on the top right and bottom corners of the front and back panels, yet the pages themselves remain clean and tear-free, preserving the book’s integrity.

 

Additional Information:

It’s crucial to note that this pre-LOC copy is a distinct rarity among collectors of Maurice Sendak’s work. The LOC Catalog Card Number is assigned by the Library of Congress to a book after its publication and cataloging. As a result, books published before being assigned an LOC Catalog Card Number, like this one, do not feature it. The CIP (Cataloging in Publication) program had yet to be established when this first printing was produced.

Authoritative references, including Bill McBride’s “Points of Issue: A Compendium of Points of Issue of Books by 19th-20th Century Authors,” and the ABAA’s information, affirm the absence of an LOC Catalog Card Number on the earliest copies of “Where the Wild Things Are.” Additionally, WorldCat, an online database cataloging holdings of libraries worldwide, lists first editions without an LOC Catalog Card Number.

In addition to these bibliographical points, this copy retains its original sewn/thread-stitched construction, providing another physical characteristic of its early production.

In a world of evolving literary landscapes, this pre-LOC first edition captures the essence of an era when children’s books came to life, offering a unique glimpse into the early history of this cherished classic. An extraordinary collector’s item, this book awaits a special place in the heart of those who value the enchantment of “Where the Wild Things Are.”

Dust Jacket:

The original dust jacket is not present. While the absence of the dust jacket affects the completeness and collectible value of this copy, it does not change the bibliographical characteristics of the book itself. The identification of this copy as an early first edition is based on the bibliographical and physical characteristics present in the book, including the absence of a Library of Congress Catalog Card Number on the copyright page and the original sewn/thread-stitched construction.

~See all of the pictures posted in the Gallery Area of this posting!~

~ Price posted is in (CAD) Canadian Dollars ~