ALS, one page both sides, 5 x 7, personal letterhead, April 2, 1971. Letter regarding his collection of books illustrated by George Cruikshank. In part: “Herewith, my Cruikshank want list—1. German Popular Tales-Grimm-1823-First edition***…4. Oliver Twist-1838-3 volumes***…5. A Comic Alphabet-1836***!…6. Cruikshank’s Fairy Library: Hop-o’-My-Thumb-1853***!, Jack & the Beanstalk***-1854-Cinderella***-1854-Puss in Boots***-1864…The above should (hopefully!) be in good, really good condition & in original binding…The really important ones are starred. You are very kind to do this for me—& I will someday come up & see you & the library—sounds terrific!…P. S. The Comic Alphabet & Complete Fairy Library in original parts are most important.” In fine condition. Cruikshank was one of Sendak’s earliest and strongest influences as an artist—Sendak once said that when he was young he first encountered Cruikshank’s work in Grimm’s Fairy Tales and began to copy the crosshatching style in his own drawings. Sendak was also an avid collector of the things he loved—he owned a presentation copy of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, dozens of engravings by William Blake, and one of the largest Mickey Mouse collections in the world. With content concerning Sendak’s closest artistic influence and his own personal interests, this is a wonderful letter. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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