10. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, First Edition, first state of the text and first state of the plates, Fine. Baum, L. Frank. (1856-1919) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Geo. M. Hill Co., Chicago and New York, 1900. Octavo. Rare First Edition, first state of the text and first state of the plates. With the following points: the publisher's advertisement is enclosed in a box, p. 14, line 1 begins "low wail on", p. 81, fourth line from the bottom has "peices", p. 227, line 1 begins "While Tin Woodman", the colophon at the rear is set in eleven lines and enclosed in a box. Last lines of pages 100 and 186 have perfect type. No copyright notice on verso of title page. Binding variant "B" with Geo. M. Hill stamped in red sans serif type at spine heel. 24 color plates by W. W. Denslow. Color plate at p. 34 first state with two blots on moon, color plate at p. 92 first state with red shading on the horizon. Christmas gift inscription in ink on the front free endpaper, "A Merry Christmas to Walter from Cousin – and Cousin Harry, 1900". A trace of rubbing; otherwise, Fine condition. No restoration or repair. Hinges are sound. Very bright and clean throughout. An extraordinary example of the holy grail of American children's literature. Chemised within a full green morocco slipcase. $40,000 – $60,000