The Cat in the Hat.
Houghton Mifflin, Riverside Press imprint on title page bottom corner, (1957) perhaps could be considered the true 1st: originally catalogued as Houghton Mifflin LCCN 56-5470, (14.1 Lindemann), first issued as prepublication sample copy, with one signature and a rounded spine; HM educational printing; blue matte boards; rounded spine with no lettering, single sewn signature (see pg 31), no seal on top board; on bottom board, plain white circle with title in black and publisher's name in black with no indication of "Read by Yourself Books" although Cat in the Hat was later part of this series; [not in Younger]; 23.5cm, 61 pp plus lengthy educational blurb. Toploader large hardback.
TThis copy was definitely a salesman's sample, as it comes from a collection of review copies which I acquired from a retired educator's collection. As received, it had a Houghton Mifflin/Riverside Press educational sales representative's business card laid in, now unfortunately lost.. The rounded spine is not practical for school use and judging from other multiple signature HM copies available with identical boards, the style was probably changed. Based on Seuss' statements and other copies seen with identical boards and multiple signatures, this copy may be the January/February publication or it could simply be an odd salesman's sample issue. Intense colour and beautiful condition in this copy. Rare thus.
Seuss was encouraged to create a controlled vocabulary book by William Spaulding, Educational Director of Houghton Mifflin and an old army buddy. However, Seuss was under contract to Random House, so HM agreed to publish the educational edition, allowing Random to publish the trade edition available to the public. The HM educational edition was set to be published in "January or February" and the trade edition in March, according a letter written to Random House by Seuss. (which would make this issue the first printing) In our opinion the Seuss letter is not conclusive proof of the month of publication.
At any rate, the educational edition of Cat in the Hat was not successful as a primer, being too dissimilar from Dick and Jane. Cat in the Hat, at least as early as 1962, was included in the 20 or so "Read by Yourself" HM series, most published in the 60's. This issue was not part of the "Read by Yourself" series. In addition to having the single signature and rounded spine, our copy has the plainer HM design on bottom board.
CONDITION: Very Good Plus/probably issued without jacket; no names or other marks, clean, unread, straight; fine white lines in blue cover along opening (joint), some tiny rubs on edges and reading wrinkles on rear free endpaper which indicate that the Educational sales blurb was what was of interest! An outstanding collectible copy. Institutions please inquire before ordering. Item #12929
Price: $3,750.00