A Dr. Seuss Autograph Price Guide by NateDSanders.com From Examples That We’ve Sold
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Dr. Seuss Autograph
A Dr. Seuss autograph will start at around $100 – $150 for just a signature or a small signed photo. A Dr. Seuss autograph will raise to $400 – $500 for a nice Dr. Seuss autograph letter signed or a Dr. Seuss autograph in a basic Dr. Seuss book. Prices will be higher for signed “Cat in the Hat” first editions, up to $2,500 – $3,500, and $5,000 – $15,000 for a Dr. Seuss large format originally made artwork. Beware of forgeries of a Dr. Seuss autograph, especially on small forged drawings that accompanies the autograph.
Here are some of our Dr. Seuss autograph prices realized:
In 2010, we obtained a record price for this Dr. Seuss autograph item obtained directly from his secretary:
Dr. Seuss’s Late 1960’s Never-Before Known, Unpublished, Abandoned & Unfinished Very Rough & Beginning Draft of a Children’s Book Manuscript Entitled “All Sorts of Sports” — With Seuss’ Handwritten Rhymes and Doodles Throughout Nineteen handwritten pages, the first seven of which are completely in the hand of Dr. Seuss. The remaining pages are mostly written by an assistant with corrections and doodles by Dr. Seuss, some taped on. This Dr. Seuss children’s book lost for over 40 years reads in part including the scratched out parts, “All Sorts of Sports. Shall I play checkers? golf? croquet? There are so many games there are to play. I could. / maybe.. / shall I.. There are so many many sorts. So many sorts of games + sports. What am I going to do today? There are so many games to play! I guess I won’t. I’m all tired out. 100 GAMES & sports you can play. You can play checkers. You can play chess. Baseball. Football. Volleyball. Basketball. You can ski on snow. You can ski on water. And tiddle-de-winks. What am I going to do today. Well, that’s a simple matter. Oh, that’s easy. We could play. There are so many sports games to play. We could swim. I could play baseball…golf..or catch. Or I could play a tennis match. There are so many sports, let’s see… I could bowl, jump hurdles, or water ski. I could blumf. Or blumf blumf blumf blumf blumf. Or blumf. Or blumf blumf blumf blumf blumf.” This last page, marked page “6-7” by Dr. Seuss seems to be where the assistant takes over, though Seuss adds corrections and doodles, as mentioned before, some taped on. Accompanied by a Dr. Seuss typed letter signed “Ted” regarding this unfinished sports book on Cat in the Hat Beginner Books stationery dated 11 July 1983. Seuss responds to a letter from one of his assistant writers (letter also included, dated 31 May 1983) where the assistant writes, “About 14 years ago, you wanted a sports book for Beginner Books. I worked on one, but what I eventually came up with did not please you…So I set it aside. I have just found it in an old file, and am thinking I might try submitting it to a few places to see what happens. Before I do that, I want to let you have another look at it…” Seuss responds in part, “Re your enclosed manuscript, I do indeed remember it. And my critique now is as same as then. What, in my opinion, is wrong with this story is that…despite the greatness of Pete as a stellar athlete hero…the negative image of him flubbing and unable to catch any ball at all will make him schnook. This is not entirely apparent in the text, but when you picture these negative scenes in illustrations, you will find that negatives are always more memorable than positives. And I think the reader’s reaction will be, ‘What’s the matter with this dope?’ I may be wrong of course…so why not send it to Harper and Row who do very good brat books and several times have made best sellers out of properties that I’ve rejected. ” It seems as if Seuss’ sports manuscript — focusing on “What game shall we play today?” — varied from this writer’s concept of the athlete who couldn’t catch. A miraculous find in excellent condition. Never before seen on the market. Accompanied by letter of authenticity from Seuss’ assistant writer to whom this manuscript and Dr. Seuss autograph was given.
It sold for $40,805. One of the reasons it obtained such a high price is that we garnered a lot of press attention including a story by NPR.
Wonderful Dr. Seuss Autograph on a Pencil and Watercolor Signed Drawing — Rare Original Art by the Imaginative Illustrator and Author
Dr. Seuss autograph on a signed pencil and watercolor drawing entitled “Mrs. M. on the Trail”. Mrs. M, likely the wife of Mr. Mayor of Whoville, makes her way down a treacherous looking hill with various animal companions in tow, looking unconcerned about the crocodile waiting below. Mr. and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville are featured in in Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and “Horton Hears a Who!” Drawing is signed: “Drawn with Heart’s blood — Dr. Seuss”. Measures 9.5″ x 15.5″. Overall toning and some fading to the Dr. Seuss autograph. Very good condition. Sold for $20,939.
Dr. Seuss Whimsical Drawing of ”The Cat in the Hat”
Dr. Seuss autograph on a hand illustrated ”The Cat in the Hat” being pulled up and away by a large balloon. Letter dated 24 February 1972 on Dr. Seuss stationery to Diddo Clark reads in part, ”That was the finest letter I have every received on a green balloon in many a month…I am back again on that merry-go-round for Hollywood or New York…Ted”. Clark, an undergraduate at the University of California at San Diego, taught a class for freshman on the pursuit of excellence. Theodor Geisel (Seuss) was a guest speaker in the class. In 1972, Seuss was busy with his first animated special, ”The Lorax,” which came out that year. Letter measuring 7.25” x 10.25” is mounted to a 10” x 16” mat. A rare Dr. Seuss autograph. Fine condition. Sold for $4,000.
Dr. Seuss Autograph on His Stationery with Clever Drawing of “The Cat in the Hat”
Dr. Seuss hand illustrated and signed letter on Dr. Seuss stationery, featuring his most famous character, the “Cat in the Hat.” The children’s book author draws the Cat, referring to it as “Me” in a clever story line, showing that he was “yanked out of town” against his will. The letter is to Diddo Clark, an undergraduate at the University of California at San Diego, who taught a class for freshman on the pursuit of excellence. Theodor Geisel (Seuss) was a guest speaker in the class, but it took more than a year for Clark to arrange for Geisel to speak due to his many commitments. Clark initially contacted Geisel through the U.C.S.D. librarian, forwarding him a drawing of a creature. Geisel responded with a humorous note and drawing. They corresponded through drawings until they finally settled on a time. Clark and Geisel corresponded throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. Letter measures 7.25″ x 10.25, matted to 10″ x 16″. Dated 10 January 1972 in pencil in the upper right corner. Dr. Seuss autograph is signed boldly “Ted” in red crayon. Fine condition. Sold for $3,896.
Dr. Seuss Pencil Drawing — Signed ”Dr. Kamikazi Seuss”
Dr. Seuss graphite drawing on paper, circa 1950’s. The famous children’s book author and illustrator signs ”Dr. Kamakazi Seuss” to the lower right. Drawing depicts an overworked secretary simultaneously walking, typing and balancing a tray of coffee on her head. Measures 8.25” x 11”. Toning, 3 punch holes on left side and chipping with small paper loss on right side. A piece of tape partially covers Seuss’ signature. Very good condition. Sold for $2,813.
Dr. Seuss Autograph in a First Edition of “Bartholomew and the Oobleck” — Scarce 1949 Title Signed
First edition of Dr. Seuss’ “Bartholomew and the Oobleck” with a Dr. Seuss autograph. Random House: New York: 1949. The author signs, “With Best Wishes…Dr. Seuss” upon the verso of the front free endpaper. King Derwin decrees that something new must come down from the sky and Bartholomew Cubbins saves the kingdom from the green, sticky oobleck. Light chipping to dustjacket with original 200/200 unclipped price. Minor edge wear to 9.25″ x 12.25″ book’s blue boards and light toning to pages. Overall very good condition. A dark Dr. Seuss autograph. Sold for $2,500.
Original Drawing of Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss here draws his famous ”Cat in the Hat” from the 1957 book of the same name. The children’s book author adds his original art to a 1971 abstract drawing of a woman done by Diddo Clark, a friend of Seuss’. Dr. Seuss also adds a thought bubble for the Cat that reads, ”I don’t know whether the kids did. But I had FUN! Thanks to Diddo.” Clark, an undergraduate at the University of California at San Diego, taught a class for freshman on the pursuit of excellence in which Theodor Geisel (Seuss) was a guest speaker. Includes 5” x 11.5” mailing envelope, postmarked 18 November 1971 from Theodor Geisel’s home address, mounted to a 20” x 6.5” mat. Very good condition. The 7” x 16.75” drawing is matted to an overall size of 9.25” x 20”. Drawing has been folded for mailing, else fine. Sold for $1,750.
Dr. Seuss Autograph on a First Edition of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” — Dr. Seuss Writes “…whose ghost, perhaps, is only a Grinch…”
Author-signed first edition of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” with a handwritten reference to his famous “Grinch” apparition. Published by Random House: New York: 1957. First edition indicated by “Cat in the Hat” on the back cover. Seuss inscribes “With love to Hope & Ted, whose ghost, perhaps, is only a Grinch” and signs “Dr. Seuss” on the front free endpaper. Without dustjacket. Wear to boards and joint separation at backstrip. Early Dr. Seuss autograph. Book measures 8″ x 11.25″. Good condition. Sold for $1,557.
Dr. Seuss “McElligot’s Pool” First Edition — With Dr. Seuss Autograph & Hand-Drawn Sketch
First edition of Dr. Seuss “McElligot’s Pool.” Random House: New York: 1947. First edition points include fish with open mouth on the front cover and a seven-line copyright notice. Dr. Seuss draws a fish in his inscription on the verso of the front free endpaper. Next to the fish he writes, “Onak! Onak! Onak!” and below it he adds his Dr. Seuss autograph, “An Onak fish for the Onaks from Dr. Seuss”. Excellent Dr. Seuss autograph. Significant wear to 8.25″ x 11.25″ book: vertical crease and glue residue to front board, fabric loss to spine and binding separation. Book without dustjacket is in good condition. Sold for $1,513.
First Edition, First Printing of “Horton Hatches The Egg” with a Dr. Seuss Autograph– He Signs “Ted Seuss”
Dr. Seuss signed first edition, first printing of “Horton Hatches The Egg” published by Random House: New York: 1940. Dr. Seuss inscribes “For Hope ‘Oiga’ Morris / Merry Christmas and Greetings to the llamas” and signs “Love Ted Seuss” on the front pastedown. First printing stated on copyright page. Gray boards, without dustjacket, have bright red text. Some wear to boards, with backstrip wearing away. Light foxing to the interior pages. Book measures 8.25″ x 10.5″. Very good condition. Sold for $1,233.
Rare Original Dr. Seuss Autograph on “Grinch” Drawings — Festive Christmas Greetings
Dr. Seuss autograph on 1971 Christmas drawings, one showing the mischievous Grinch underneath a Christmas tree. The children’s book author sends season’s greetings to Diddo Clark, a local teacher, via two drawings of Christmas trees, both on Dr. Seuss stationery. He adds a handwritten note to each one: “A tree for Diddo” on the Grinch drawing, and “Dear Diddo: Merry Christmas again and thank you for that remarkable letter from your student! Ted”. The 7″ x 10.25″ drawings are mounted to 10″ x 16″ mats. Drawings are dated in the upper right corner in pencil as 14 December and 17 December 1971. Expected folds, else fine condition. Sold for $983.
Dr. Seuss Original Art Signed — Depicting His Famous Green Egg From ”Green Eggs and Ham”
Dr. Seuss autograph illustration signed on his personal Cat in the Hat printed stationery. Here, the masterful storyteller draws a green egg from his beloved book, ”Green Eggs and Ham”. Beneath the green egg, Seuss writes in black ink, ”Herewith: A special Green Egg, cooked personally by me for the Positive People of Algonac High!” Signed ”Dr. Seuss” with his iconic squiggle above Dr. Seuss autograph. Measures 5.5” x 8.5” with small thumbtack holes on each corner, else near fine. Sold for $938.
Very Rare ”The Lorax” First Edition, First Printing Signed by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss autograph in a first edition, first printing copy of his beloved book ”The Lorax,” published by Random House: New York: 1971. Seuss inscribes the front free endpaper, ”for Diddo / with thanks for a Very Excellent Experience / Dr. Seuss” in blue ink. First printing points include the list of 32 titles and a yellow text box containing a Robert Flesch quote to rear board, three-line blurb to copyright page and reference to Lake Eerie in the text. 61pp. fully illustrated hardcover book tells the tale of ”The Lorax,” a creature who tries to prevent the greedy villain from ruining his forest for profit. With pictorial paper boards and endpapers, book measures 8.25” x 11.25”. The top of the signed page bears an ink notation in an unknown hand that reads: ”November 16th, 1971”. Surface loss to board corners and light wear to board edges. Toning to backstrip and rear board. In very good condition overall. Sold for $566.
”How The Grinch Stole Christmas” With Dr. Seuss Autograph and His Inscription
Dr. Seuss autograph in the ”How The Grinch Stole Christmas” book, Random House: New York: 1957. He inscribes the front free endpaper in green ink: ”for / Don – A soft hearted Grinch – / Dr. Seuss”. He adds an eye-catching flourish between his autograph inscription and his name. Seuss’ tale of the curmudgeonly Grinch character who robs a town on Christmas Eve but fails to break the villagers’ spirit has become a staple of the holiday season. Bound in pictorial paper boards with pictorial endpapers. Measures 8.25” x 11.25”. Bumping to spine ends and board corners with a cluster of small superficial dents to the lower right of the front board, else near fine. Sold for $566.
Dr. Seuss Typed Letter Signed With Literary Content — Seuss Critiques Two Books at Length
Interesting typed letter signed by Dr. Seuss dated ”July No. 2.” Seuss writes to his former editor with lengthy comments about two children’s books: ”…Re HAND BOOK, Al’s new version is very encouraging. Much simpler and more illustratable [sic] than before. I am now analyzing it from the point of view of action and forward motion. Also, to see if we can get more of a ‘story feeling’ into it. Also to see if it can be made more exciting, step by step. (From page 22 on, it goes forard [sic] and backwards simultaneously.) They’re pulling a goat toward a boat, as if this action had some meaning. Then in the next picture, goat is dropped and boy is helping mother put on coat which will be a very dull picture, Then we have active scene of music making, and dull scene of walking hand in hand. Then we go to three very dull concepts…drawing writing and praying. (If drawing and writing are used, it should happen way back in book. Praying, in my opinion, should be not used at all.) The final scene of hand stands is also very static. Maybe…after we have the boy and the monk standing on their hands, they should start walking on their hands. This might enable us to start some forward motion into new scenery. The above is just rumination that I haven’t thought through yet…IF you want more criticism from me before Al tries to speed the book up, please say so, and I’ll give it to you inch by inch…” Seuss then continues to critique a second book and signs off with, ”I must go swimming. My bones still are bruised from the Rodeo last Sunday. Love……. Ted”. Dark Dr. Seuss autograph. Single page letter, in very good condition, measures 8.25” x 12.75”. An exceptional letter on telling stories from the master of story telling. Sold for $500.
To buy, consign or sell a Dr. Seuss autograph, please email Nate at [email protected] or phone (310) 440-2982. Thank you.
Dr. Seuss Autograph Examples are Valuable When a:
Dr. Seuss Autograph in a Book
Dr. Seuss Autograph in a First Edition
Dr. Seuss Autograph Letter Signed
Dr. Seuss Autograph Manuscript Signed
Dr. Seuss Autograph on a Photo
Dr. Seuss Autograph Signed “Dr. Seuss”
Dr. Seuss Autograph Signed “Ted”
Dr. Seuss Autograph Signed “Ted Seuss”
Dr. Seuss Autograph with a Dr. Seuss Drawing
and Beware of a Dr. Seuss autograph and a Dr. Seuss drawing that are forgeries, as there are lots of these.