Mr. Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are is easily one of the best loved children's book on our planet, but it may surprise you to know that his first published illustrations were done in the name of science. Of course, you'll need a big wallet to get those illustrations, or get the book rather. Here is a current ad below:
(Sendak, Maurice) Maxwell Eidenoff and Hyman Ruchlis. ATOMICS FOR THE MILLIONS. New York: Whittlesey House (1947). First edition. First issue with the patterned endpapers, $3.50 price on both flaps of dustjacket, and statement of paper quality on copyright page. Small gift inscription dated 1947 on dedication page, otherwise a fine copy with clean dark blue cloth in a bright, unfaded dust jacket with minor chipping and small creased tears on corners and spine ends. Sendak's first book illustrations, done for his High School science teacher, Hyman Ruchlis. $750.00
Pretty cool though. If I had an extra $750 then I might actually be tempted. Then again, what scientist has an extra $750 lying around?
Comments
Fascinating!
Posted by: Tara C. Smith | July 14, 2006 10:01 AM
Copies can be had for much less than that, on alibris.com (no, I don't work for them).
Posted by: Emily | July 14, 2006 9:56 PM
Thanks Emily. I think the $750 price tag is because I'm guessing the one in question is in really good shape I saw lots of others that looked pretty ragged. Maybe it's signed?
Posted by: David Ng | July 14, 2006 11:02 PM