Illustrated throughout in color by the author. Original color pictorial cloth-backed boards, pictorial dust jacket. Custom gray cloth slipcase. First Edition.
Signed by Sendak on the half title. Rare signed first edition of Sendak's most beloved book, in the jacket with no medal of the Caldecott award, nor mention of it, and with the proper text on the jacket flaps, as described by Joyce Hanrahan: "...a three paragraph blurb on the book, and at the bottom, `Harper & Row, Publishers/ 40-80/ 1163.' The first paragraph is 6 lines long and reads, `Maurice Sendak author-artist of the NUTSHELL LIBRARY... has written and illustrated a picture book little children will love.' The second, also 6 lines, reads`Max, sent to his room... his adventures... form a unique and unforgettable experience.' The third, only five lines, reads, `Every child will recognized Max's feelings and his fantasy. And they, as well as adults, will revel in the rich, glorious pictures painted only as Sendak could paint them.' The inside rear flap of the dust jacket has a three paragraph blurb on Sendak. The first one, six lines long, begins and ends, `Maurice Sendak is considered to be one of the finest... and THE SIGN ON ROSE'S DOOR.' The second paragraph, 8 lines long, begins and ends, `Among the books he has illustrated... Hans Christian Andersen awards.' The third paragraph reads `Maurice Sendak was born and grew up on Brooklyn, New York. He now lives in Greenwich Village.'" The AIGA called this "the perfect book." Hanrahan A58.
Condition:
Jacket browned, edge worn and with a few short tears, lower corner of front flap clipped ($3.50 price present at upper corner); volume with some light wear and browning at edges; book and jacket very good.