“ONE ROUND OF JOYOUS, HAPPY DAYS”

BAUM, L. Frank. The Magic of Oz. Chicago: Reilly & Lee, (1919). Quarto, original light green cloth, mounted cover illustration, pictorial endpapers. $2750.

First edition, first issue, of the 13th and last Oz book published before Baum’s death, profusely illustrated by John R. Neill with 12 color plates and numerous black-and-white illustrations, many full-page.

In this last Oz book published during his lifetime, Baum reveals the secret word that, when spoken properly, causes magical transformations: "I would not dare to write down this magic word… but for the fact that no one in all the world except Bini Aru, had ever (up to the time this book begins) been able to pronounce 'Pyrzqxgl!' the right way" (see Eyles, 55). First issue, with the publisher's advertisement on the verso of the ownership page listing eleven books, the last of which is The Tin Woodman of Oz. Without extremely scarce original dust jacket. Bienvenue, 79. Hanff & Greene, 74-75.

Marginal tape residue to pages 128-38, rear inner paper hinge just starting; binding with mild rubbing to front panel illustration, faint toning to spine. A very good copy.