Sell or Auction Your L Frank Baum Typed Letter Signed for up to Nearly $3,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
FREE VALUATION. To buy, auction, sell or consign your L Frank Baum typed letter signed that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Sell Your L Frank Baum Typed Letter Signed
Below is a recent realized price for a typed letter signed by children’s fantasy author, L Frank Baum. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
L Frank Baum Typed Letter Signed. Sold for Nearly $3,000.
Here are some related items we have sold:
First Edition “Wizard of Oz” 1900 Rare Book
First edition, first issue of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, illustrated by W.W. Denslow. Chicago: George Hill Company: 1900. Clothbound octavo rare book runs 261pp. and bears green and red pictorial on front and rear cover of Dorothy and her companions and 24 color plates by W.W. Denslow. Widely considered the most well-known book of American children’s literature, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” follows the adventures of a young girl named Dorothy as she is catapulted from her Kansas home into the Land of Oz. Accompanied by the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman, Dorothy is met with the beauty and mysteries of Oz. Translated into more than forty different languages, “The Wizard of Oz” has become a sensation all over the world, where translators often slightly adapt the story to fit into the context of local culture. It is believed that Baum’s Land of Oz was inspired by a building in Castle Park close to a city in Michigan where Baum spent his summers. The seventh of nine children in a devout Methodist family with a German father and Scots-Irish mother, Baum was born in Chittenango, New York in 1856. Frank was only one of five children in his family who survived to adulthood. After a failed attempt at creating a newspaper, and writing a few moderately successful children’s books, Baum published “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” with his illustrator Denslow. Baum soon wrote thirteen sequels, and eventually wrote an array of other works including 132 novels and short stories and 200 poems. Mostly known as a political illustrator, Denslow was born in Philadelphia but eventually moved to Chicago, where he met Baum and they began their work together. Denslow illustrated many of Baum’s books and shared the copyrights to all of them. Their relationship soured in 1902 when Denslow made demands concerning royalty shares on the stage adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz.” Baum decided not to work with Denslow again. With copious royalties from the many versions of “The Wizard of Oz,” Denslow managed to purchase an island near the coast of Bermuda and crowned himself King Denslow I before drinking through his fortune. In May of 1915 Denslow died in obscurity. Text points present in volume implying first issue: publisher’s advertisements are enclosed in a box on page 2, page 14 reads “low wail on…” Page 81 bears the typographical error “peices,” the first sentence of page 227 reads “While Tin Woodman,” and the colophon on rear pastedown runs eleven lines. Plate points in volume implying first issue: the man in the moon on plate between pages 34 and 35 entitled “You must be a great sorceress” bears two dark circles, and another plate entitled “The Stork carried him up into the air” between pages 92 and 93 has a red horizon. Contains pictorial pastedowns, with blank opposite flyleaves. Title plate has copyright stamp on verso. The volume has been re-cased with a “C” issue, in which the spine is stamped with the publisher’s name in red with the “C” encircling the “o” of “Co.” Minor soiling to boards and slight wear to edges. Some separation at joints, binding somewhat loose. Previous owner’s ink and pencil inscription to front flyleaf. Overall a superior first edition of one of America’s favorite children’s stories. Sold for $8,275.
L. Frank Baum Signed and Dedicated “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” — With Scarce Poem Handwritten by Baum — “…Mosquitoes charm me / They cannot harm me / For I am Mr. Dooley-ooley-oo!…”
“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, illustrated by W.W. Denslow. Chicago: George Hill Company: 1900. First edition, second state, signed by the author. Baum inscribes on the author list leaf: “‘Twas Mr Dooley dear Mr Dooley, / He said: ‘I’ll live and die in Waukazoo / Mosquitoes charm me / They cannot harm me / For I am Mr. Dooley-ooley-oo! / August 17th / 1902 / L. Frank Baum.” The book is in the second state, and in binding variant C. Included in the lot is a letter of provenance from the granddaughter of the original recipient Dorothy Lake. It explains that her grandmother was 11 years old in 1902 and went on a holiday every summer to Waukazoo on the shores of Lake Michigan. Baum was reportedly charmed by Miss Lake and by the coincidence of meeting a real Dorothy in the same resort area in which he wrote portions of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Original pictorial cloth stamped in red and green. Leaf with inscription is browned and a little chipped at edges and with a 2-inch closed tear through “A” of “August.” Plates and text leaves frayed with some extremity loss. With 22 color plates, missing the two facing pages 80 and 254. Volume has been rebacked with original spine laid down, to an attractive condition though boards still remain heavily soiled. Presentation copies of Baum’s masterpiece are very scarce on the market, and verse inscriptions particularly so; this is perhaps the only verse inscription available. Recently sold for $18,300 as lot 3292 in Bonhams 23 June 2010 sale. Sold for $7,650.
First Edition, First Printing Hardback of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling — One of Only 500 Copies, the Book That Started It All
The most coveted book in the Harry Potter canon, the first edition, first printing hardback of J.K. Rowling’s first novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. This book is one of only 500 hardback copies published in the first printing, more scarce and collectible than the softcover published at the same time.
With all first printing points present, including “First published in Great Britain in 1997” on the copyright page, along with “Joanne Rowling” credited rather than J.K., and no space between Thomas Taylor and the copyright date (“Taylor1997”). Full number line “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” is present, as is the 10.99 pound price on rear board, Wendy Cooling quote to front board, and the spelling error of “Philospher’s” on rear board. Other early printing points are also present, including the repeat of “1 wand” on page 53, and “highchair” on page 8.
Since most of the 500 copies of the hardcover book were intended for library use, the number of extant copies is unknown, though estimated to be significantly fewer than the 500 published. All 500 were issued without a dust jacket, which wasn’t introduced until the third printing. This copy has part of the library laminate peeled off, corners of board professionally retouched, and previous owner’s inscription to front free endpaper. Some sunning to spine and minute cocking. A wonderful first printing, still in very good condition. A hallmark of children’s literature, one of the few hardback copies still available. Sold for $53,550.
The most coveted book in the Harry Potter canon, the first edition, first printing hardback of J.K. Rowling’s first novel, ”Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. This book is one of only 500 hardback copies published in the first printing, more scarce and collectible than the softcover published at the same time.
With all first printing points present, including ”First published in Great Britain in 1997” on the copyright page, along with ”Joanne Rowling” credited rather than J.K., and no space between Thomas Taylor and the copyright date (”Taylor1997”). Full number line ”10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” is present, as is the 10.99 pound price on rear board, Wendy Cooling quote to front board, and the spelling error of ”Philospher’s” on rear board. Other early printing points are also present, including the repeat of ”1 wand” on page 53, and ”highchair” on page 8.
Since most of the 500 copies of the hardcover book were intended for library use, the number of extant copies is unknown, though estimated to be significantly fewer than the 500 published. All 500 were issued without a dust jacket, which wasn’t introduced until the third printing. Book measures 5.25” x 8” and runs 223 pages. This copy has been professionally restored, which is common since they were distributed to libraries, including a rebacked spine with original laid down, board retouching and the removal of several library stamps and labels. The front free endpaper is also missing. Overall in very good condition. A hallmark of children’s literature, one of the few hardback copies still available. Sold for $41,250.
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. Sold for $40,805.
J.K. Rowling Signed First Edition, First Printing Harry Potter Signed Book — “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” — With PSA/DNA COA
Extremely rare J.K. Rowling signed first edition, first printing Harry Potter signed book: “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” Bloomsbury: London: 1997. The author signs the dedication page “To Bryony / with best wishes / JK Rowling”. A true first edition, it features the number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 on the copyright page, and the first printing misprint on page 53 of “1 wand” listed twice, as well as the Wendy Cooling cover quote: “A terrific read and a stunning first novel”. Indeed, this first of Rowling’s wildly successful Harry Potter book series was published later in the U.S. under the title “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Its film adaption became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. Issued as a paperback, novel runs 223pp. and measures 5″ x 8″. Toning to leaves and edges. Rubbing to spine edges and creasing to hinges, else near fine. With PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $17,000.
Lewis Carroll Autograph Poem Signed in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” — Carroll Cleverly Composes an Acrostic Poem Where the First Letter of Each Line Reveals a Message
Original Lewis Carroll autograph poem signed by Lewis Carroll, dedicated to the sister of an “Alice” who died in infancy. Carroll composes the tender poem inside a presentation copy of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (London: MacMillan and Co., 1874), inscribed on the half-title page in Carroll’s signature purple ink, “Presented to Jessie Howard Clark, in remembrance of her sister Alice, by the Author / July 15, 1875”. Young Jessie lived in Australia which served as the basis for the poem, alongside the themes of death and the connected experience of childhood across the world. The poem is additionally constructed so that the letters of the first words of each line form the recipient’s name, “Jessie Howard Clark”. Written on the page opposite the table of contents, poem reads in full,
“Just half a world to travel o’er,
E’re this may reach its Southern home:
Such waters wide between us roare
So many a league of barren foam.
In vain the trackless interspace –
England’s white ships can cleave the flood,
Hailing as brethren every race
Of English speech & English blood.
Wherever English childhood dwells
‘Alice’ may hope to find a band
Ready to listen while she tells
Dreams of the shadowy ‘Wonderland.’
Child-friend, whom I shall never see!
Let me in fancy feel thee nigh,
And trust in other lands to be
Remembered as the years go by –
Kind thoughts will live, though we may die.
Lewis Carroll autograph
July 15, 1875.”
Jessie’s father was author John Howard Clark, who originally wrote Charles Dodgson, aka Lewis Carroll, regarding his own book “Bertie and the Bullfrogs”, inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. Upon learning that Clark had a daughter Alice who died in infancy, Carroll kindly composed this poem and gifted it to Clark’s other daughter Jessie. Book measures 5″ x 7.25″, bound in publisher’s red boards with gilt titling. With original black endpapers and all edges gilt. Separation starting to front and rear joints, and scuffing to boards. Interior is clean, including manuscript pages. Overall in very good condition, with a dramatic presentation. Sold for $16,800.
Beatrix Potter Signed Tailor of Gloucester 1st/1st 1902
Beatrix Potter signed copy of her third book, “The Tailor of Gloucester”, Potter’s personal favorite of all her books. Published privately: London: 1902. Inscription on front free endpaper reads, “For Mr. Butler / from Beatrix Potter / Jan 16th 03″. This hardcover first edition, first impression includes 11 color plates and is one of 500 copies printed exclusively for Potter a year before the first trade edition by Frederick Warne & Co. This version of the text is longer than the first trade edition, and the cover illustration of the three mice was never used again. Measures 4.25″ x 5.25”. Tape on spine, wear to boards, and separation starting at joints. Pencil writing on front pastedown. Internal pages have some foxing and wear but are in generally clean, very good condition. A very rare, beloved children’s book. Sold for $10,000.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery Little Prince Signed Book Limited First Edition — One of Only 525 Signed Copies — Near Fine Condition
One of only 525 limited edition copies of Antoine de Saint-Exupery Little Prince signed book. First edition, published by Reynal & Hitchcock: New York: 1943. First edition signed copies are limited to 525 copies, of which this is number 271. In publisher’s red-stamped salmon cloth boards. Very minor foxing to limitation page and shallow crease to the bottom corner of the last three leaves. In the first issue dustjacket, with “$2.00” on front flap; small chips to spine ends, darkened spine and minor toning to front and rear panels. A near fine copy, housed in a custom gray cloth clamshell box. Sold for $9,601.
J.K. Rowling Autograph in a Harry Potter Book “Quidditch Through the Ages” — Extremely Scarce Signed
Very scarce Harry Potter book with a J.K. Rowling autograph: “Quidditch Through the Ages.” Bloomsbury: London: 2001. The J.K. Rowling autograph is upon the title page: “J.K. Rowling autograph”. The simulated Hogwarts library book is mentioned in several of the Harry Potter novels. Rowling wrote the whimsical book for Comic Relief, a U.K. charity which received this signed copy by Rowlings. Included in the lot is a 29 April 2001 London “Sunday Times” describing the contest and a facsimile of the letter to the winner. The 4.25″ x 7″ paperback is in fine condition. Dark blue J.K. Rowling autograph. Sold for $7,951.
First Printing of ”Winnie the Pooh” by A.A. Milne From 1926 — With Scarce Original Dust Jacket
First edition, first printing of A.A. Milne’s beloved classic children’s book, ”Winnie-the-Pooh”, complete in its original dust jacket. London: Methuan and Co., 1926. Beautifully illustrated throughout with full page drawings by E.H. Shepard, this is the first book that Milne wrote with Christopher Robin, Pooh, and the gang as the singular focus of the story. With all first printing points present: ”First Published in 1926” on copyright page; green cloth boards stamped with Christopher Robin and Pooh in gilt on front; endpapers illustrated with maps of ”100 Aker Wood”; yellow jacket with ”7/6 net” price on spine; ”117th thousand” printed on rear panel of jacket. A well-preserved copy with only light bumping to boards, toning to endpapers, and slight separation starting at rear hinge. Jacket has some toning and chipping, particularly to spine. Overall very good condition. Sold for $7,500.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery Little Prince Signed Book Limited First Edition — One of Only 525 Signed Copies — Near Fine Condition
One of only 525 limited edition copies of Antoine de Saint-Exupery Little Prince signed book. First edition, published by Reynal & Hitchcock: New York: 1943. First edition signed copies are extraordinarily rare, limited to 525 copies, of which this is number 402. In the first printing dustjacket with 386 Fourth Avenue on the front flap and a blank rear flap as called for in the first printing. Clipped dustjacket is very good with chipping and some paper loss on spine. Book is near fine. A rare signed copy of this beloved children’s classic. Sold for $6,006.
First edition, first printing of A.A. Milne’s beloved classic children’s book, ”Winnie-the-Pooh”, complete in its original dust jacket and signed by the equally famous Pooh illustrator, Ernest H. Shepard. London: Methuan and Co., 1926. Shepard signs the title page, ”Ernest H. Shepard” in black fountain pen.
Beautifully illustrated throughout with full page drawings by Shepard, this is the first book that Milne wrote with Christopher Robin, Pooh, and the gang as the singular focus of the story. With all first printing points present: ”First Published in 1926” on copyright page; green cloth boards stamped with Christopher Robin and Pooh in gilt on front; endpapers illustrated with maps of ”100 Aker Wood”; yellow jacket with ”7/6 net” price on spine; ”117th thousand” printed on rear panel of jacket.
A very well-preserved copy with only slight cocking to spine, toning to endpapers, and slight separation starting on page 33. Overall in very good plus condition. Jacket is almost equally well preserved, with faint dampstaining and light chipping; very good condition. Book is consigned by the great-grandchild of the recipient, A. McArthur Morison, who lived near the area of 100 Acre Wood in East Sussex and knew Shepard as a result. Sold for $5,313.
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