"WWEE MUSSTT GGO BBEHINDD THEE SSHADDOW": EXCEPTIONALLY RARE FIRST EDITION OF MADELEINE L'ENGLE'S NEWBERY MEDAL-WINNING A WRINKLE IN TIME

L'ENGLE, Madeleine. A Wrinkle in Time. [New York]: Ariel, (1962). Octavo, original half blue cloth, original dust jacket; housed in a custom clamshell box. $11,000.

Rare first edition in original dust jacket of L'Engle's landmark novel, winner of the 1962 Newbery Medal, handsomely housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box.

"At once a science fiction story, a philosophical meditation on the nature of Evil and Love and a coming-of-age novel, Wrinkle broke new ground in what was considered appropriate for young readers. Rejected by several publishers for being too complex, this title has amply proven L'Engle's belief that 'children are excited by new ideas' and has been credited with bringing science fiction into the mainstream of children's literature. This is L'Engle's best work" (Silvey, 401). "First printing, 1962" stated on copyright page; first state dust jacket without embossed gilt Newbery Medal affixed to front panel. Anatomy of Wonder II-662. Early owner signature dated 1963.

Text very fresh, light expert restoration to cloth; scant edge-wear, mild toning to spine of colorful dust jacket. A most desirable near-fine copy of this rare first edition.