Mother Goose In Prose - L Frank Baum & Maxfield Parrish Rare 1905 Early Edition

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Mother Goose In Prose - L Frank Baum & Maxfield Parrish Rare 1905 Early Edition:
$226.37

You\'re offerding on \"Mother Goose In Prose\", by L. Frank Baum with illustrations by Maxfield Parrish, published 1905 by Bobbs-Merrill Company, Indianapolis. This book, first published in 1897, is a notable first for both participants - the first book published by Baum who shortly thereafter would strike a huge success with the Wizard of Oz series, and as the first illustration commission for Maxfield Parrish, basically launching his prolific and acclaimed career as an artist. The book takes 11 Mother Goose rhymes and stretches them out into charming short stories in the whimsical and inimitable Baum style. The book was not much of a success initially, but this edition, published by Baum\'s publisher presumably to capitalize on the Wizard of Oz mania, was successful enough that Baum later wrote a \"Father Goose\" sequel. The book has been re-issued periodically, but early editions in the original format are very scarce to come by.
This copy is in good condition for age and type, with some issues of condition - cover exhibits some wear and soil, including some cloth fray at top and bottom of the spine. Still much charm on display, though, with the graphic goose desing on front and spine. Partial hinge-cracking inside front cover, but cover still fully attached. Pages are generally clean with some slight age discoloration and occasional spotting or fingerprinting. A few of the illustration plates have some slight edge tearing (see photos). One plate - \"The Wondrous Wise Man\" - Has about a 2\" tear at bottom center and slight separation at the top left, but still firmly affixed to the book. Binding is solid. There are two old ownership inscriptions on the front blank endpaper, otherwise no marking. Complete including all illustration plates.
Nice potential add for Parrish, Baum, childrens literature or antiquarian collectors - please review photos carefully to make your own determination of overall condition and appeal, and don\'t hesitate to ask any questions prior to offerding. Thanks for looking!