FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, OF SOME SWELL PUP, INSCRIBED BY SENDAK TO A CLOSE FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR, WITH AN ORIGINAL DRAWING OF THE PUP

SENDAK, Maurice and MARGOLIS, Matthew. Some Swell Pup, or Are You Sure You Want a Dog? New York: Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, (1976). Octavo, original brown cloth, original dust jacket. $2200.

First edition, presentation copy, of this sprightly cautionary tale of pet ownership, beautifully illustrated, inscribed to Sendak's close friend and neighbor: "For Andy—Maurice Sept. '76," with an original drawing of the book's unnamed pup.

Sendak co-wrote this story, which follows two children through the trials and tribulations of training their puppy, with a professional dog trainer. "Love, patience and understanding are the solutions in Sendak's cautionary comic book tale" (Publishers Weekly). Hanrahan A97. The former owner of this inscribed book was Maurice Sendak's neighbor, Andrew, from Ridgefield, Connecticut. Sendak bought a home and studio in Ridgefield in 1972 with his longtime partner, Eugene Glynn, and lived there until his death. Andrew first encountered Sendak in 1975 during one of his daily dog walks. (Sendak owned many dogs throughout his life, and they often starred in his books.) Andrew was immediately taken with Sendak, who reminded him of his recently deceased father. One day, Andrew called Sendak at home and asked if he could join him on his walks. Andrew and Sendak thus embarked on a 37-year friendship that also included the Andrew's mother, Betty, as well as Andrew's brother. Sendak went on long walks and hikes with Andrew and his family regularly, discussing general life events, opera, and books. He also invited them into his studio to show off works in progress. Andrew's mother, Betty, was an avid reader and collector and she and Sendak would talk late into the night about books. Sendak offered Betty advice about how to find and authenticate rare children's books, which she used to build her collection. Additionally, he frequently bartered for autographs (i.e. a cake for an inscribed drawing). The many inscribed drawings, along with first editions, signed books, limited edition books, and other valuable items grew into one of the country's premier Sendak collections.

Book very nearly fine, dust jacket near-fine with light wear and only faintest occasional foxing. A handsome signed copy with original drawing.