CHARLOTTE'S WEB - INSCRIBED

New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1970. Attractive copy of White's beloved book, a barnyard story which has enchanted generations of readers since it was published in 1952. A Newbery Honoree, and basis for two well-received film adaptations - a 1973 animated film and a more recent production by Gary Winick (2006), starring Dakota Fanning, Julia Roberts, and Oprah Winfrey. Authentically signed or inscribed copies are uncommon; White was publicity-shy, anxious in large crowds, and struggled with Alzheimer's later in life, so copies with provenance this clear are quite unusual. Octavo (20.75cm); original pictorial cloth boards; pictorial endpapers; dustjacket; [viii],184pp; illus. Inscribed by the author on the half-title page: "For Tony Maramarco / with greetings from E.B. White." Base of spine a little nudged, three corners gently bumped (though still sharp); Near Fine. Dustjacket is unclipped (priced $4.95), gently spine-sunned and lightly edgeworn, with shallow loss to upper front flap fold, some light dust-soil and a few faint stains to rear panel; Very Good+.

Laid into this copy is a one-page TLS (dated July 3, 1979) to the recipient from Robert Bruce, newly President Emeritus of Colby College, relating the circumstances behind White inscribing this copy. "Yesterday afternoon we did have a visit with E.B White. He is old and lonely and he just isn't very well. It is sad that he has lost so much of his vigor. But the old spark was there from time to time, and we had some awfully good talk over cocktails and dinner. He very kindly agreed to inscribe two copies of Charlotte's Web, one for you (and I presume young Tony), the other for Darby Drew. They are on their way to you under separate cover." Typed letter on white bond (measuring 8.5" x 11"); 22 lines (195 words), signed "As always, Bob." A few old folds, else Near Fine.