FIRST EDITION OF IF I RAN THE CIRCUS, INSCRIBED BY SEUSS IN THE YEAR OF PUBLICATION TO FAMILY FRIENDS
SEUSS, Dr. If I Ran the Circus. New York: Random House, (1956). Quarto, original pictorial paper boards, pictorial endpapers, original dust jacket.
First edition of this rhyming narrative about comically large aspirations for starting a circus, inscribed in the year of publication to longtime friends: "For All the Kays of Wonderview Drive. Merry Xmas 1956.—Dr. Seuss."
A revision of a 1955 magazine piece, Seuss' romp under the Big Top introduces such compelling attractions as Rolf, the walrus who stands on one whisker; the punctuation mark-juggling Jott; and Great Daredevil Sneelock, who dives into a fishbowl from 4,692 feet up—"He'll manage just fine. Don't ask how he'll manage. That's his job. Not mine." Younger & Hirsch 43.
Book very nearly fine with tiny spot of toning at spine end, bright dust jacket extremely good with only most minor soiling and light wear and toning to extremities. A lovely inscribed copy.