HAROLD'S ABC

Johnson, Crockett

Published by Harper & Row, New York, 1963

About this Item

First edition of the seventh and final book in the Harold series of mid-century meta-picture books, a lovely copy. The last Harold book is a reflection of publishing history: in 1962, Harper & Brothers merged with a publisher of textbooks, Row, Peterson and Company, becoming Harper & Row. According to his biographer, Johnson's editor Ursula Nordstrom "was optimistic that the merger would giver her books an entry into the elementary and high school markets" (Nel). Besides becoming immediate bestsellers, the minimalist Harold books simultaneously simple and profound have become an influential favorite of many other artists and authors: in his 1982 acceptance speech for the Caldecott Award for JUMANJI, Chris Van Allsburg explicitly thanks "Harold, for his purple crayon"; Maurice Sendak praised the "supreme inventiveness" of Harold; Rita Dove names Harold in her poem "Maple Valley Branch Library, 1967." Quite scarce in collectible condition. 5.75'' x 4.5''. Original purple and brown pictorial paper boards. In original unclipped ($1.95) purple and brown pictorial dust jacket. Illustrated by Johnson in brown and purple on every page. [64] pages. Jacket with faint toning, shallow rubbing. Book with light shelfwear, tiny bump to front corner. Tight.

Seller Inventory # 52300

Bibliographic Details

• Title: HAROLD'S ABC
• Publisher: Harper & Row, New York
• Publication Date: 1963
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First printing.
• Condition: Near fine in near fine jacket.
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Seller catalogs:
  • Classics