[SENDAK, Maurice]. Family Circle Magazine August 1973. [Mattoon, IL: The Family Circle, 1973]. 4to, 162pp with a 16pp 8vo booklet inserted into the center. Color pictorial paper wrappers. Color and b&w photographs and illustrations throughout. Edges lightly worn, else a fine copy.

First edition. The first appearance of Sendak’s interpretation of the Grimm tale of King Grisly-Beard was as a small b&w booklet that appeared in this issue of Family Circle magazine, bound-in between a full-color double-page spread by Sendak. Issued one month before the book’s trade publication, the Sendak feature is preceded by simple bookbinding instructions for children to create their own hardcover copy of the book from the booklet enclosed. Sendak’s ingenious interpretation of the Grimm fairy tale as a play within a tale creates a wonderful layering of fantasy and reality that highlights his inventive storytelling style. An uncommon piece for any Sendak collection.