New York: Curt Valentin, 1944.

 

Quarto, 130 pages. One of 700 unsigned copies on Arnold unbleached paper, from a total edition of 760.  A delightful and early book by the great playful sculptor, this selection of popular rhymes, illustrated with line drawings, was created just a few years after Calder had ceased his “puppet” circus performances. The line drawings are heavily influenced by the artist’s wire sculptures. This copy internally very bright and clean, but with a bit of scuffing to the illustrated yellow paper covered boards and to the foot of the tan buckram spine, otherwise very good. In a good only dust jacket, with significant chipping and fading to the spine panel. Small inscription of previous owner to preliminary blank, and the artist’s cryptic inscription to the front free end paper, “2 (or 4), A Silver Anniversary, A. Calder” in a bold and flourished hand.

$1500 -