SENDAK. WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, 1963, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED WITH AN ILLUSTRATION BY THE AUTHOR (1 VOL.)

oblong 4to (227 x 252mm.), FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY WITH AN ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION OF A WILD THING AND INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR ("Dear Reed - | This certainly looks like a first edition - | it has all the wrong colors in the right places!" and "For Reed Orenstein | Maurice Sendak") on the half-title, colour illustrations by the author, original green cloth-backed pictorial boards, first issue dust-jacket, collector's blue morocco box, lowest binding thread loose at hinge, very minor soiling and bumping to extremities

From the private collection of the late Reed Orenstein, New York bookdealer and longtime Sendak collector

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Sendak's comment refers to a printing error within the first edition. Close examination reveals some colours out of alignment. Max's right foot (and claws) on the title-page, for example, have a minute red outline to the right of the black line. The first issue dust-jacket issue points are all present here (no mention of the Caldecott medal, price of $3.50 at the top right corner of the upper flap together with a three paragraph blurb and "HARPER & ROW, PUBLISHERS | 40-80 | 1163" and a further three paragraph blurb in the lower flap.