IN THE NIGHT KITCHEN
New York: HARPER & ROW, PUBLISHERS, 1970. Hardcover. Unpaginated. 29 x 22 cm. Signed presentation copy of the first edition, early printing, in later state dust jacket. Inscribed by Sendak on the front free end paper: "For Judy Jones, with pleasure!, Maurice Sendak, May '89." This magical children's story was controversial primarily because it shows its young protagonist, Mickey, fully nude in several illustrations - critics pointed to the large milk bottle and other imagery as phallic - supporters countered that the dream sequence is a surreal exploration of a child's body, fears, and autonomy.
Verso of title page reads: "Copyright © 1970 by Maurice Sendak. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Lettering by Diana Blair. ISBN 0-06-025489-0. ISBN 0-06-025490-4 (lib. bdg.)." No later printings or dates stated, and no number line present. The dust jacket is a later state, issued after the book was named a Caldecott Honor Book, and differs from the first-issue jacket (which lacked the medallion and carried the original 4.95 price). Dust jacket price clipped. Note from Hilary A. Jones paper clipped to front panel of dust jacket. Interior pristine, front board has one faint spot, otherwise clean. Dust jacket lightly rubbed at spine. Covered in protective mylar. White cloth covered boards, illustrated paper title. Near fine, in near fine dust wrapper. Item #4892
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