"SELDEN'S WORK WILL ENDURE AS A TOUCHSTONE IN THE FIELD OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS": FIRST EDITION OF THE CRICKET IN TIMES SQUARE

SELDEN, George. The Cricket in Times Square. New York: Farrar, Straus and Cudahy, (1960). Octavo, original mauve cloth, original dust jacket. $850.

First edition of this children's favorite, illustrated by Garth Williams.

"One of those rare works both critically applauded by adults and beloved by children, [this book] secured [Selden] a place of acclaim among writers of animal fantasy. The book has earned frequent comparisons with E.B. White's Charlotte's Web for animal characters who are brought vividly to life and for its parallel themes of loyal and enduring friendship… Selden's work will endure as a touchstone in the field of children's books" (Silvey, 583-84). Wonderfully illustrated by Garth Williams, who also illustrated not only Charlotte's Web but also Stuart Little. Owner ink stamp.

Book fine; dust jacket bright and near-fine with only slightest soiling to rear panel and mild rubbing to extremities. A lovely copy.