Smokey Bear 20252: A Biography

Alexandria: Lindsay Smith Publishers, 1994. Paperback. 8vo. Stiff glossy pictorial wrappers. xiv, 406pp. Illustrations (some color). Fine. Quite tight and lovely first softbound edition of this "biography" of the iconic U.S. Forest Service character -- drawn by different artists but established, made loveable and household-name famous by Rudolph Wendelin (1910-2000). Wendelin boldly signs the half-title page in black fineline, dating it 9 August 1994 and above his signature adding a black ink rubberstamped sketch of Smokey's head. This copy also bears a fine autograph addition: Tipped facing the title page is a unique frontispiece, a nice content Autograph Note Signed from Lawter, 1p (lettersheet), heavy stock 5" X 4", n.p., 26 December n.y. Addressed to Jean Pablo (U.S. Forest Service historian and close friend of Rudy Wendelin). Near fine. Two original horizontal folds. "It was good to see you again last week. I think you're doing a great job with the museum display [Smokey the Bear exhibit].... I really appreciate your assistance with the photos, too. I was quite pleased to see that Rudy had squirreled away so many of the old black & white photos. It's a lot of fun to work with you!" Boldly penned in black ballpoint. Copies of this title signed by Wendelin are exceedingly uncommon, and this example with relevant author letter as well is extremely scarce.