The Story of Little Black Sambo

Philadelphia: Henry Altemus, 1918. Decorative Cloth. Very Good/Very Good. A VERY EARLY EDITION IN ITS ORIGINAL PICTORIAL DUSTJACKET(!!). Published by Henry Altemus of Philadelphia as part of its "Wee Books for Wee Folks" series, the publication date can be pinned down conclusively between 1918-1921 but not more specifically than that. Dustwrappers earlier than this on editions of "Little Black Sambo" rarely appear. As it stands, this is a wonderful and colorful jacket design. The front panel of the dustjacket--which mirrors the cover of the book itself-- has a hand-colored image of "Sambo" under an umbrella with a black and white jungle relief behind (truncated) him. The back panel lists other titles by Altemus in the "Wee Books for Wee Folks" series. Both the book and the jacket have held up nicely, given their age. A solid VG copy in bright boards and in a VG/VG- dustjacket with light chipping along the top and bottom edges of the covers and light chipping at the spine extremities. One dime-sized chip as well to the top edge of the front panel, affecting the word "Little" in the title. The dustjacket, though, fragile as it is, is 90-95% intact. Light foxing as well to endpapers and small former owner inscription to flyleaf. All plates and pages of text have held up nicely and are clean and bright. 64mo, 63 pgs. A truly scarce item in its original dustjacket. (Inventory #: 1890)