“FOR ANDY, WHO IS REALLY SWELL!": FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, OF THE PIANO/VOCAL SCORE TO REALLY ROSIE, INSCRIBED BY MAURICE SENDAK TO HIS CLOSE FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR
SENDAK, Maurice. Really Rosie. New York: Screen Gems-Columbia, 1975. Folio (9 by 12 inches), original pictorial paper wrappers. $3500.
First edition, presentation copy, of the piano/vocal score of the animated television special composed and performed by Carole King, inscribed on the first page of music to a close friend and neighbor: "For Andy, who is Really Swell!—Maurice Sendak June '77."
The animated television series Really Rosie was based on Sendak's books The Sign on Rosie's Door and The Nutshell Library. It featured music composed and performed by Carole King, with the story and lyrics by Maurice Sendak. This score features music for piano, vocal, and organ, with additional chord notations. Not in Hanrahan. The former owner of this inscribed 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.
Pinpoint foxing to edges of text block, faint staining to rear wrapper, only slight rubbing to wrappers. A near-fine inscribed copy.