Description
Inscribed by Johnny Gruelle, an early edition of Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees.
Octavo, [96pp]. Illustrated hardcover, black cloth spine. Stated “MCMXXIV” (1924) on the copyright date, which corresponds to the first edition from P.F. Volland Company. Faint dampstain to upper right corner throughout text block. In the publisher’s dust jacket, short closed tear along front hinge, a bright, near fine example.
(Hall, 118.c)
Inscribed on the front pastedown: “To Harter Urban – With A Very Magical Raggedy Ann Wish That He Will Never Have Wrinkled Knees – Johnny Gruelle / Miami Beach, FLA. / March 12 – 1937.”
The first edition of “Camel with the Wrinkled Knees” was published by The V.F. Volland Company in 1924. Although Gruelle would have preferred to submit this manuscript to Bobbs-Merrill, his contract with Volland stipulated that he still owed them a Raggedy book for 1924. Four years following its May 1924 publication date, the book was in its 35th “edition.” Under the terms of his February 1924 contract with Volland, Gruelle was advanced $500 against royalties of 7Ã??%. He also received $750 for his illustrations and was paid $25 to prepare a promotional poster for the book. (Patricia Hall, p. 110)
