"FOR ELIZABETH FOR WHOM I AM SIGNING BOOKS TODAY! SO THERE!": FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, OF ZLATEH THE GOAT, WARMLY INSCRIBED BY SENDAK TO A CLOSE FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR

(SENDAK, Maurice) SINGER, Isaac Bashevis. Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories. New York: Harper & Row, (1966). Octavo, original gilt-stamped white cloth, original dust jacket. $1650.

First trade edition, presentation copy, of this collection of Jewish folklore, inscribed on the half title to a close friend and neighbor: "For Elizabeth—For whom I am signing books today! So there! Maurice Sendak May '79."

Zlateh the Goat, Singer's first book for children, contains seven tales of Jewish folklore, and is illustrated with 17 black-and-white plates by Maurice Sendak. Published the same year as the signed limited edition. Hanrahan A66. 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). Sendak often referred to Betty as "Elizabeth" in inscriptions as he felt that "Betty" was too common a name. The many inscribed drawings, along with first editions, signed books, and other valuable items grew into one of the country's premier Sendak collections. Calling card of Robert M. White laid in.

Book with interior generally fine and light foxing to cloth, corner-clipped dust jacket with only slight rubbing and toning to extremities. A near-fine inscribed copy with interesting provenance.