The Wizard of Oz Animated (1944)

First Edition of Julian Wehr's
The Wizard of Oz Animated

Baum, L. Frank. The Wizard of Oz. Akron, Ohio: Saalfield, 1944.

1st Edition. Plastic comb binding. 8vo  8" - 9" tall.

First edition of Julian Wehr's animated version of this children's classic, with all tab-operated moveables fully functioning and intact. Known as "The American Master of Animated Books," New York artist Julian Wehr was known for his patented tab-operated moveables, which enlivened scores of classics during the middle of the 20th-century. This version of L. Frank Baum's classic children's book features illustrations and moveables that showcase mid-century artistic trends. Although produced after the blockbuster film, the illustrations bear little resemblance to the movie, particularly in the case of Dorothy who has a red-and-white striped pinafore and 1940s rolled hair. Book near-fine, with a few spots of very faint soiling to interior and light rubbing to extremities. Good dust jacket present, but split through at joints with a bit of wear and toning to edges and loss to spine.