Publication: Alfred A Knopf, 1949, New York
First edition. 8vo. Gray cloth, decorations on the front cover and spine titles stamped in black, vii [3], 177 [2] pp., introduction, colorful full-page illustrations by Aldren Auld Watson, bibliography. Handsome first edition of this tall tale about the fictional Southwest folk hero cowboy ... occasioned perhaps by the release in 1948 of the Disney musical anthology film "Melody Time," one segment of which is devoted to Pecos Bill. This copy has a choice autograph addition on the front flyleaf: Roy Rogers (1911-98), who plays Pecos Bill as well as himself and the narrator in this segment, inscribes and signs a tipped-in oddly shaped slip which reads, "To ... Donald / Many Happy Trails / and success always / from / Roy Rogers / & Trigger." A most unusual copy. Near fine bright copy in lovely dust jacket age lightly toned on the spine. A choice item.
Inventory Number: 52004