Mei Li

HANDFORTH, Thomas

Published by Doubleday, U.S.

About this Item

An undated, early reprint of the second ever Caldecott Medal winner in 1939. Just because the only date in the book is the copyright date of 1938 doesn't, of course, mean that that's the publication date of any subsequent reprints. With this particular copy of this wonderful picture book, we know that it is not a first edition from 1938, partly because the words "First Edition" do not appear (as called for in Doubleday books), but also because the dust jacket flap carries an announcement that the book won that 1939 Caldecott Medal. I also know that the first edition was priced at $2 and that reprints issued after the war carried a Caldecott Medal sticker on the front of the jacket and were priced at $3.25 or $3.50. This copy has no sticker and the price on the unclipped dust jacket is $2.75. Hence the conclusion that this is an early reprint; possibly the second impression issued shortly after the Caldecott Medal was awarded. Anyway, it is a worthy winner of a prize for "the most distinguished American picture book". Great story and lovely black & white drawings. Edges are very slightly browned and spotted and there is minor bowing to foredge of boards. Still a very good copy indeed in a very good dust jacket with a little edgewear, slightly worn spine panel, short tear to top of front flap, and two chips to the edges of front panel. Seller Inventory # 000736

Bibliographic Details

Title: Mei Li

Publisher: Doubleday, U.S.

Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Thomas Handforth

Condition: Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

Edition: Reprint