THE WIZARD OF OP

New York: Little, Brown & Co, 1975. First Edition. Near fine in a very good jacket.. An interesting and unique copy of this lovely op-art children's book, telling the story of a "slightly inept wizard" who "casts his spells which are demonstrated to us through the techniques of optical art." An early work from the prolific children's book illustrator. Hardcover. Square 8vo. White cloth with stamped illustration in pictorial dust jacket. Near fine in a very good DJ. INSCRIBED by Emberley on copyright page: "For Chris & Steve. Ed Emberly 1976" with drawing of two rats underneath, captioned "First Edition." Additionally includes, taped in, an original drawing on sketch paper by Emberley resembling the front cover of the book: a circle with its title and two figures underneath. Another gift inscription from an unknown person is on the opposite page, explaining: "We asked Ed to draw you a wedding / cake - the above illustration is special / as it was a reject illustration for the / jacket and it was part of the Lee Walp Family Juvenile Collection [at the University of Michigan]. To / our favorite Bostonian book friends. / Lee / [illegible]." Lastly, the book includes a postcard and bookmark, likely as issued. Jacket shows moderate edgewear and small chips. Pages clean and unmarred throughout. Unpaginated.