SENDAK’S LARGE ORIGINAL COLOR POSTER “FREEDOM TO READ,” ONE OF ONLY 15 ARTIST'S PROOFS SIGNED BY SENDAK AND 40 OTHER CELEBRITIES INCLUDING ROBIN WILLIAMS, HARRISON FORD, WHOOPI GOLDBERG, GLORIA STEINEM, AND MARY HIGGINS CLARK

SENDAK, Maurice. Artist's proof poster ["Freedom to Read"]. [New York: American Booksellers Association, 1991]. Large color poster, measuring 21-1/4 by 27 inches; floated and framed, entire piece measures 25 by 31 inches. $6000.

Limited edition of Sendak’s original poster promoting freedom of the press, commissioned by the American Booksellers Association, one of only 15 artist's proofs signed by Sendak and 40 celebrities including Robin Williams, Harrison Ford, Whoopi Goldberg, Gloria Steinem, Mary Higgins Clark, Harlan Ellison, and Dan Rather to benefit the organization's legal fund and its battle against censorship.

Clearly based on the cover of In the Night Kitchen (1970)—Sendak's surreal homage to New York City drawn from his childhood memories—this original signed poster prominently features Mickey in his bread-dough airplane, winging over a skyline comprised of oversized kitchen items labeled with the titles of banned books. The American Booksellers Association commissioned the poster in order to develop a public awareness of censorship and to aid the Association's legal defense fund for combating censorship. This is one of 15 artist's proofs signed by 40 celebrities and sold at a premium to aid the cause. Celebrities who signed include: Harrison Ford, Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, Gloria Steinem, Carolyn See, Malcolm Boyd, Harlan Ellison, John Rechy, Mickey Hart, Charles S. Dutton, Leo Buscaglia, Neil Simon, Chris Van Allsburg, Deborah Nourse Lattimore, Audrey Wood, Lane Smith, France Nuyen, S. Epatha Merkerson, Mary Higgins Clark, John Sayles, Mariette Hartley, Beth Henley, Joanne Leedom-Ackerman, and many others. See Hanrahan C22.

Fine condition.