SCARCE FIRST EDITION OF SHEL SILVERSTEIN’S THE GIVING TREE

SILVERSTEIN, Shel. The Giving Tree. New York: Harper & Row, (1964). Octavo, original pictorial green cloth, original dust jacket; housed in a custom clamshell box. $9500.

First edition of Silverstein’s popular parable, in original dust jacket.

"The Giving Tree, Silverstein's most successful book, was initially rejected by his future editor, who believed that 'it was a nice book, but it would never sell.' Despite an initial lack of interest, the book eventually brought Silverstein national acclaim… Silverstein says he doesn't believe in happy endings or magical solutions in children's books. Nevertheless, with his hilarious poetry, expressively simple drawings, and provocative fables, he succeeded in creating some magic of his own" (Silvey, 601-2). Book is first printing, with four lines of text on copyright page. Dust jacket is first issue, with price of $2.50 and code of 0964 on front flap, reviews for Lafcadio on rear flap and picture of Silverstein with hair on rear panel.

Book fine, dust jacket very good with mild toning to spine, one chip to top edge of front panel.