SOMEBODY'S ELSE'S NUT TREE, SIGNED BY SENDAK, THE COPY OF SENDAK'S CLOSE FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR

(SENDAK, Maurice) KRAUSS, Ruth. Somebody Else's Nut Tree and Other Tales from Children. (Lenox, Massachusetts: The Bookstore Press, 1971). Octavo, original red cloth, original dust jacket. $500.

Later edition of this beautifully illustrated collection of children's stories, signed by Maurice Sendak. The copy of Sendak's close friend and neighbor.

First published in 1958, this charming book is the product of the years-long artistic collaboration between Ruth Krauss and Maurice Sendak, which began with the well-loved A Hole is to Dig. This book is very much in the same style, with the prose largely inspired by children's own words and Sendak's illustrations delightfully capturing the spirit of the written word. Hanrahan A31(1). The former owner of this signed book was Maurice Sendak's neighbor, Andrew, from Ridgefield, Connecticut. Sendak bought a home and studio in Ridgefield in 1972 with his longtime partner, Eugene Glynn, and lived there until his death. Andrew first encountered Sendak in 1975 during one of his daily dog walks. (Sendak owned many dogs throughout his life, and they often starred in his books.) Andrew was immediately taken with Sendak, who reminded him of his recently deceased father. One day, Andrew called Sendak at home and asked if he could join him on his walks. Andrew and Sendak thus embarked on a 37-year friendship that also included the Andrew's mother, Betty, as well as Andrew's brother. Sendak went on long walks and hikes with Andrew and his family regularly, discussing general life events, opera, and books. He also invited them into his studio to show off works in progress. Andrew's mother, Betty, was an avid reader and collector and she and Sendak would talk late into the night about books. Sendak offered Betty advice about how to find and authenticate rare children's books, which she used to build her collection. Additionally, he frequently bartered for autographs (i.e. a cake for an inscribed drawing). The many inscribed drawings, along with first editions, signed books, limited edition books, and other valuable items grew into one of the country's premier Sendak collections.

Book fine, dust jacket with only a couple minute spots of soiling and slight toning to extremities. A very nearly fine signed copy.