FIRST EDITION OF DR. SEUSS’S SLEEP BOOK, INSCRIBED BY SEUSS

SEUSS, Dr. Dr. Seuss's Sleep Book. New York: Random House, (1962). Quarto, original pictorial white paper boards, pictorial endpapers, original dust jacket. $6500.

First edition, inscribed by Seuss, “for Richard Kelly, who I would rather have light my books than anyone I know . . . with admiration . . . Dr. Seuss.”

Designed as a blockbuster celebration of Seuss' first 25 years as a children's author, Dr. Seuss' Sleep Book met high critical and popular expectations. "Critics welcomed another opportunity to hail an author who made Americans smile, and even more children began falling asleep to Dr. Seuss" (Morgan, 178). Younger & Hirsch 20. This copy whimsically inscribed to architect and lighting designer Richard Kelly. Kelly "is credited as transforming an emerging technology into a respected profession, integral to the practice of architecture" (Illuminating Engineering Society, New York Section).

Book and dust jacket with only miniscule rubbing to lower edge, dust jacket with short closed tear and small abrasion to rear panel. A lovely copy in near-fine condition, desirable and scarce inscribed by Seuss.