The plum here is the rare DJ that matches first state DJs of the first edition, first printing.

Some faint spots of foxing to flaps and some spots of green color transfer to front flap. Some edgewear/nicks as well, especially at corners/spine ends. Some creasing to top of rear panel with small sticker removal scar at bottom A few short tears to heel of spine, bottom of front panel and top of rear panel. Some scratching off to color of apple on cover and general scuffing. Faint moisture stains to tops of flap creases and top edge of front panel 60% across from flap crease. Circle of moisture to front panel with radiating ripple. Bottom of front flap appears clipped, but is standard for all of these early editions. Previous owner's name to front pastedown and some very faint spots of foxing to front endpapers and rear pastedown. In green pictorial boards with ding to bottom front corner, some rubbing to spine ends and edgewear. A scarce early printing likely from late 1960's very early 70's with author photo on back sporting hair. He is also the creator of picture books including A Giraffe and a Half, Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?, The Missing Piece, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, and this perennial favorite The Giving Tree! He also penned classic poetry collections such as Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, Every Thing On It, Don't Bump the Glump!, and Runny Babbit. Shel Silverstein's incomparable career as a bestselling children's book author and illustrator began with Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. Since it was first published, Shel Silverstein's poignant picture book for readers of all ages has offered a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return. The Giving Tree is a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein remains a touching favorite for generations. Three reviews of Silverstein's 'Lafcadio: The Lion Who Shot Back' first published in 1963, on rear flap by Kirkus, N.Y. Back panel features classic b&w protrait of Shel Silverstein by Jerry Yulsman. Front panel of wrapper, as boards, features the tree dropping an apple to the young boy in shades of green with red. Pictorial dust wrapper, clean w/few chips price-clipped, protected in new clear sleeve. Illustrated throughout story by Silverstein with his appropriately simple, but moving imagery. Green pictorial boards matching original wrapper design, light wear.

The giving tree read