THE GIVING TREE by Silverstein, Shel - 1964

New York: Harper & Row, 1964. Fine in very good plus jacket.. Very scarce first edition of the allegorical children's classic, rarely found today in the first printing. A simple story of love-driven selflessness and a lifelong bond, THE GIVING TREE has touched generations of readers. First published in 1964, THE GIVING TREE remains one of the most elusive of Silverstein's books in the first edition. The earliest issue is indicated by the price on the dust jacket (as here); other early printings may be determined by the 4-line copyright notice and the portrait of a bearded upper half of Silverstein on the rear panel of the jacket (as also here). 8.75'' x 7''. Original green pictorial paper boards. In original unclipped ($2.50) green pictorial dust jacket with code "0964" on front flap and portrait of Silverstein on rear panel, waist-up and bearded. Illustrated by Silverstein in black and white throughout. 57, [1] pages. Only a touch of soiling to book. Jacket with one small chip and a bit of faint rippling to rear panel.