first edition
1934 · New York
by Baum, L. Frank
New York: Blue Ribbon, 1934. First edition thus. Fine in very good plus jacket.. Exceptionally scarce entirely intact first state of the "Waddle Book" version of the American classic, published with 6 figures meant to be punched out and used as toys. The "waddle" book is designed with die-cut figures that can be assembled into full 3D color figures, including Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Wizard and the Lion. When the figures are assembled using the metal fasteners, they can actually move down the ramp without contrivances. This copy includes all 6 waddle figures (entirely unpunched), the ramp, the fasteners, the original pictorial band that goes around the ramp, and the original envelope. Instructions for assembling the figures are in the rear. This is a Baum book of the utmost rarity with few copies surviving with the waddles intact and unpunched. 9'' x 7.25''. Original green cloth, pictorial paste-on, publisher's imprint at foot of spine. In original unclipped ($1.00) color pictorial dust jacket. Original pictorial envelope containing the ramp and fasteners. 3 bi-folded sheets with 6 color waddle figures, unpunched but no longer bound in. Illustrated with 8 color plates. [8], 211 pages (printed count skips illustrations but contains numbered text pages on versos). 1934 Christmas gift inscription on front free endpaper. Some spotting and toning to endpapers, spine lean. Jacket with a few small chips and closed tears.
(Inventory #: 33428)