A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC

(New York): HarperCollins, 1981. Fine in fine jacket.. Inscribed later printing of Silverstein's beloved second collection of children's poetry. Silverstein's illustrated verses, combining his singular voice and instinct for whimsy with the slightest, mostly buried hint of a mean streak. 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. 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"). 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''. Later printing of the first edition. Original dark grey cloth, stamped in gilt. In original unclipped ($14.95) dust jacket. Book and jacket design by Kim Llewellyn. 167, [9] pages. Inscribed by Silverstein on front free endpaper.