VER BECK'S BOOK OF BEARS
Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1906. Ver Beck, Frank (illustrated by). 1st Edition. Hardcover. First edition, INSCRIBED BY BOTH VER BECK AND CO-AUTHOR RION on dedication page "To our dear Will Roberts" (in VerBeck's hand). With an ANS by Ver Beck with an original sketch of a bear on stationary of the Editorial Rooms of the Literary Digest, 44-60 East 23rd Steet, New York City, laid in. On a folded sheet, Ver Beck in blue correcting pencil writes to his son's or daughter's family: "Dear Children, I sought and found sweet repose on your friendly couch last night after having robbed a man from Philadelphia. I'm off now to the (undecipherable) but peaceful heights on Hudson. Thank you! Thank you! FV 7 am" under which he has drawn one of his signature bears, hands clasped behind its back, smiling as it walks away. Charming, spontaneous thank-you note to his children with VerBeck imaging himself as his dear bear for an unplanned late night shut-eye at their apartment as he rushes out to catch the train upstate. The book has been rebacked, edges and corners are worn and covers soiled. Endpapers are missing and cloth tape reinforces spine internally. Good. Item #011236
Price: $650.00