signed first edition
1939 · NY
by Thurber, James
NY: Harper & Brothers, 1939. Thurber, James. Oblong small quarto. First edition. Inscribed by Thurber at the front flyleaf. When Thurber published the book in 1939, just a few months after the beginning of World War II, all hopes that civilization might break the cycle of war had been dashed. Illustrated with Thurber's simple and expressive cartoons, the story makes a bold statement about the destructiveness of war. At the same time, it is also a call for hope, imploring humanity to appreciate and nurture the beauty in the world. This cautionary parable is dedicated to Thurber's daughter "in the wistful hope that her world will be better than mine." In orange pictorial boards, which show some light rubbing along edges and spine. Mild chipping along edges of original dust jacket, but none of the usual spine fading common to this title. Near fine. From the library of screenwriter David Lloyd, with his name at the top of one of the prefatory leaves.
(Inventory #: 33432)