With an Illustrated Letter
My Life In Art
Notes: A survey of the paintings by the author and artist behind the Madeline series of children's picture books. This volume includes 34 color plates and reproductions of 28 works in black and white. The first 64 pages are an illustrated memoir of Bemelmans life and art.
64 pages plus [32] pages of color plates. 12-3/4 by 9-3/4 inches. This UK edition appears to have been published about a month after the US version, in late 1958.
Edition + Condition: First UK edition (first printing). A near fine hardcover copy in a very good dust jacket with chipping to the top edge, which is repaired with a piece of tape at the spine. This seems to be a presentation copy from Bemelmans: Tipped onto the front free endpaper is an aerogram—not addressed or folded for mailing—with an illustrated letter from the author-artist.
"27 July 60 | Dear Bree [or Bee] | Here is | another book for | your library—my | wife is come—but I | am thinking of killing | her [drawing of a cup of poison]? [drawing of a dagger]? [drawing of a pistol]? [drawing of a noose]? | so I can marry you | au revoir | Ludwig."
The letter shows Bemelmans dark humor; he was devoted to his wife and named the heroine of his most popular books after her. Your cataloguer could not determine who the recipient was.
Publication: London: Andre Deutsch, 1958.
Item No: #153777
Price: $500