First edition, with inscription and drawing by author. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1981. 'A Light in the Attic' by Shel Silverstein. Inscribed by Silverstein on front free endpaper.

In original unclipped ($14.95) dust jacket.

Original dark grey cloth, stamped in gilt. The poet was unbothered, saying: 'I think if you're a creative person, you should just go about your business, do your work and not care about how it's received.' 8.75'' X 7''. Winner of the 1984 William Allen White Children's Book Award, A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC was the occasional target of censorship for, allegedly, encouraging children to break dishes ('How Not To Have To Dry The Dishes') and threaten to die of broken hearts in order to get their way ('Little Abigail and the Beautiful Pony'). Silverstein's assured style and strength of personality enabled him to pull off the rare trick of writing more than one classic - classics not only inflicted on children by nostalgic parents, but loved by children themselves. Silverstein's illustrated verses, combining his singular voice and instinct for whimsy with the slightest, mostly buried hint of a mean streak. Inscribed later printing of Silverstein's beloved second collection of children's poetry. Inventory No: 16080552.Ĭondition: Fine in fine jacket. Of course you would sell your sister, who wouldn't want to get rid of 'This crying and spying young sister for sale?' Shel Silverstein's work is full of children who eat whales, who can kick footballs from here to Afghanistan, who know that thumb sucked thumbs taste the sweetest, and can't go to school because their brains have shrunk. Think Spike Milligan meets Edward Lear: it's nonsense poetry that makes perfect sense. *** ABOUT THIS BOOK: Shel Silverstein is one of America's best loved poets, whose work is read by every child in the USA but is almost unknown in the UK. Pages are clean and unmarked and in excellent condition. More specifically: Boards have no wear, rubbing or soiling. *** CONDITION: This book is in fine condition. *** PUBLISHING DETAILS: Marion Boyars, UK, 2003.

Best poems from a light in the attic