Books

First edition, first printing. Welcomed by adults and children alike for its revolutionary blend of educational potential and entertainment value, The Cat in the Hat sold over a million copies within three years of its publication, brought the author's work into American schools, and made Dr Seuss a household name. Seuss was challenged to compose a rhyming story using a short list of simple first-grade words "amidst a national debate over growing illiteracy among children. More than one critic demanded a new type of school primer, one that was fun to read and creatively illustrated so that it could better compete with its nemesis, television" (ANB). His project took over a year. Part of the appeal was that Seuss's book centred on a feline lord of misrule, unlike the typically prim and proper children's reading material which was populated with "abnormally courteous, unnaturally clean boys and girls" (Hersey, p. 136). Seuss was posthumously praised for the "murder of Dick and Jane", characters of one infamously terrible primer, "which was a mercy killing of the highest order" (Quindlen, p. 19). The success of The Cat in the Hat led to the establishment of Beginner Books (incorporated by Random House), under which Seuss went on to publish dozens of titles. This copy has the relevant points for the first printing: the jacket priced 200/200, and the boards not laminated as they are in later issues. Quarto. Original blue boards, spine and front cover lettered and decorated in red, white, and black, pictorial endpapers. With dust jacket. Illustrated throughout by the author in red, blue, and black. Contemporary ownership inscription and later numerical stamp to front free endpaper. Foot of spine bumped, subsequent short closed tear to boards and jacket, extremities lightly rubbed; jacket lightly creased, extremities nicked, unclipped: a very good copy in like jacket. Younger & Hirsch 7a. John Hersey, "Why Do Students Bog Down on the First R? A Local Committee Sheds Light on a National Problem: Reading", Life, 24 May 1954; Anna Quindlen, "The One Who Had Fun", The New York Times, 28 September 1991.

The story revolves around two children, Sally and her brother, who are stuck inside on a rainy day with nothing to do. Suddenly, a tall, mischievous, and anthropomorphic cat wearing a tall striped hat appears at their doorstep. The Cat proposes to entertain the kids while their mother is away by performing various tricks and antics. Accompanying the Cat are Thing One and Thing Two, mischievous creatures who wreak havoc in the house, creating a whirlwind of chaos. The children become increasingly concerned about the mess and the potential trouble they might get into. However, before their mother returns, the Cat manages to clean up the house just in time, using a magical cleaning machine called the "Voom." The book is renowned for its lively rhymes, whimsical illustrations, and the memorable, eccentric characters created by Dr. Seuss. It's not only an entertaining story but also a book that encourages imagination, creativity, and the importance of responsible decision-making. "The Cat in the Hat" is often praised for its engaging storytelling and its ability to teach young readers valuable lessons while keeping them entertained. It has become a staple in children's literature and continues to captivate readers of all ages.