Shel Silverstein First Editions — Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974) & A Light in the Attic (1981)

A pairing of two Shel Silverstein hardcover first editions from Harper & Row, together representing the two cornerstones of his children's poetry catalog. Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974) retains its original pictorial dust jacket — the iconic cover illustration of a boy, girl, and dog peering over the edge of the world intact. The copyright page reads © 1974 by Snake Eye Music, Inc., and the trade ISBN 0-06-025667-2 matches the first edition binding state; the jacket panel lists only titles published through 1974 with no later titles present, consistent with a first printing, though the specific printing number is not stated on the copyright page. A Light in the Attic (1981) presents in its characteristic gray cloth boards with the large gilt Silverstein signature stamped to the front board; the dust jacket is not present. Its copyright page reads © 1981, and the trade ISBN 0-06-025673-7 matches the first edition record; again, no specific printing line is present on the page photographed.

Silverstein's verse and pen-and-ink drawings shaped the reading lives of an entire generation, and clean Harper & Row hardcover copies from the original print runs remain the format most collectors pursue. Where the Sidewalk Ends had by then already logged eight years in print; both books would go on to become among the longest-charting children's titles in bestseller history.

CONDITION

Good overall with age-appropriate wear and signs of normal use. Where the Sidewalk Ends: dust jacket shows light edge wear, minor soiling to the white field, and a small spot to the upper front panel; binding is sound. A Light in the Attic: gray cloth boards show rubbing, scuffs, and light soiling; gilt signature remains bright; front free endpaper personalized.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

Where the Sidewalk Ends

• Author/Illustrator: Shel Silverstein
• Publisher: Harper & Row, New York
• Copyright: © 1974, Snake Eye Music, Inc.
• Trade ISBN: 0-06-025667-2
• Harpercrest ISBN: 0-06-025668-0
• LCCN: 70-105486
• Format: Hardcover with dust jacket
• Edition: First edition binding/jacket state consistent with 1974 first printing.

A Light in the Attic

• Author/Illustrator: Shel Silverstein
• Publisher: Harper & Row, New York
• Copyright: © 1981, Shel Silverstein
• Trade ISBN: 0-06-025673-7
• Harpercrest ISBN: 0-06-025674-5
• LCCN: 80-8453
• Format: Hardcover, gray cloth boards with gilt stamping; no dust jacket
• Edition: First edition ISBN