Books

First Printing. Square quarto (24cm); gray cloth and black simulated leather backstrip, with titles stamped in metallic green on spine; dustjacket; [xiv],[7],8-268,[6]pp; illus. Inscribed by the illustrator on the title page to renown actor, dancer, and musician Geoffrey Holder: "For Geoffrey Holder / to whom I owe a great deal for these images. With great respect - Barry Moser." Fine in a very Near Fine dustjacket, unclipped (priced $19.95 and $25.00 on front flap), with some trivial external wear, and the original price sticker at lower rear panel. An extraordinary association copy of this exquisitely-illustrated edition of Baum's beloved 1900 novel. Among his many accomplishments, Holder (1930-2014) was responsible for directing and designing the original Broadway production of The Wiz, an African-American retelling of The Wizard of Oz, and a clear inspiration for Moser.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a children's novel written by L. Frank Baum. It tells the story of Dorothy, a young farm girl who is whisked away to the magical Land of Oz by a tornado. Alongside her dog Toto, she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodman, and a Cowardly Lion, and they journey together to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz. Along the way, they face various challenges and the wicked Witch of the West. Dorothy's goal is to return home to Kansas, and she eventually discovers that the power to do so has been with her all along. The story is celebrated for its vivid imagery, and the underlying message that true bravery, love, and intelligence come from within.