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A beautiful and uncommon signed first edition of Robert Lawson’s Rabbit Hill, winner of the 1945 Newbery Medal for excellence in American children’s literature. This is the first printing, as stated on the copyright page: "First published September 1944." Housed in the first state dust jacket, unclipped with the original $2.00 price and without the Newbery seal.

This copy is signed by Lawson on the half-title page, without personalization. Laid in (and stapled to the front endpaper) is a typed letter dated July 19, 1967, on Viking Press letterhead, addressed to Morton Schindel, founder of Weston Woods Studios—renowned for adapting beloved children’s books such as Mike Mulligan and His Steam ShovelMake Way for Ducklings, and Where the Wild Things Are. The letter charmingly notes: "We just discovered a few autographed first editions of Robert Lawson’s Rabbit Hill. Here’s one for you."

 

Book details:

  • Publisher: The Viking Press, 1944
  • Pages: 128
  • Binding: Gray cloth pictorially stamped in light blue w/ Lawson decorated endpapers.
  • Condition: Very good+. Light shelf wear with a small bump to the front board, minor spine tip softening, and a slightly loose rear hinge. Interior is clean and unmarked with the Viking letter stapled to the front endpaper.

Dust Jacket:
Very Good condition. Wear along the edges, fold and spine tips. Several closed tears along the rear flap fold; now stabilized with archival-quality document repair tape and housed in a protective mylar sleeve.

 

This is a wonderful association copy that not only presents Lawson’s signature cleanly but also offers a window into the circulation of signed editions within the mid-century children’s book publishing world. A scarce and desirable find for collectors of Lawson, Newbery winners, or American illustrated books of the 20th century.

Robert Lawson ~ Rabbit Hill, A SIGNED 1944 1st Edition/Printing

$695.00Price
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