Inscribed by Kesey, with Provenance
Little Tricker the Squirrel Meets Big Double the Bear
Publication: New York: Viking Press, 1990. First Edition.
Notes: An inscribed copy of this picture book written by the author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and illustrated by acclaimed artist Barry Moser.
[4], 28 pages. 8-1/2 by 10-1/4 inches.
Edition + Condition: First edition (first printing with a numberline including a 1). A fine copy in a fine dust jacket. This copy is inscribed on the front free endpaper with an invented word from the book to the late book collector-dealer Maurice Neville, "For Maurie—Hongreee! Ken Kesey." Laid into this copy is a flyer for a Kesey appearance in Stockton in 1990. William Maxwell, in his biblio-memoir Booklegger, describes the event, which he organized. Kesey announced he would be driving Further, his famous psychedelic bus, across the country to the Smithsonian. It turned out to be a short-lived prank that ended in Stockton (the real bus was and is inoperable). "The theater was standing room only. Actually, there were people sitting cross-legged in the aisles. Kesey did a dramatic reading of his new children's book, Little Tricker..., donning a bandana on his head to pose as his granny telling the story" (p. 108).
With a bookmark from the event marked "Neville." With so many dubious Keseys floating around, it's always nice to have one with provenance.
ISBN: 067081136X
Item No: #366454
Price: $200