THE TWENTY-FOUR DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
New York: Ariel Books, [1964]. INGA. First Edition. Cloth. SUGNED, Presentation Copy by the Author, tall 8vo, red cloth (Mylar-protected), profusely illustrated by INGA with sketches both colored as well as Black & White, 56 pages. Very Fine / None. Item #1235
Exceptional Condition!
RARE volume SIGNED by the famed author (1918-2007). Lacks dust jacket. Published two years after her famous Newberry Prize winning A Wrinkle in Time. A major theme of the author is that religion, science, and magic are all aspects of seamless reality.
The delightful Austin family celebrates a very traditionally and do one special thing for every day in December, Advent leading up to Christmas. During this joyous period, the mother helps her children with ornaments, bakes cookies, and does other lovable acts. Meanwhile, seven-year old Victoria, who feels clumsy and very much an "ugly duckling" (like young Madeline L'Engle), is very excited about her part as an angel in the Christmas pageant. When a blizzard causes the celebration to be cancelled, Vicky overcomes her disappointment when her baby brother is born.
In this story, we meet "Vicky" five years before her appearance in L'Engle's novel, Meet the Austins (1960), which established a precedent for serious discussion of death. This charming story is a chapter from the Austin series.
An excellent book for parents to read to children. Possibly a later printing during 1964.
Price: $225.00