Posted by First Edition Identification
Song Of The Swallows; written and illustrated by Leo Politi; Scribners; 1949
Picturebook Price Guide Value – $460 VG+
Essential Identifying Point
This Caldecott Medal winning book does not follow the Charles Scribner’s normal practice of an ‘A’ on the first edition.
Combined Title/Copyright page: Two Lines, as follows:
Charles Scribner’s Sons – New York 1949
Copyright 1949 Charles Scribner’s Sons – Printed in the United States of America
Important Note: The true first edition includes the above two lines in the title page illustration, and does not have a text line below it indicating a 1948 copyright!
Later copies have an additional typeset line below the illustrated copyright line stating “Copyright, 1948, Leo Politi”.
The first edition dust jacket has the correct copy (as described above) on the front flap and “$2.00” in the top right corner.
DJ price “$2.00” is required to substantiate first edition.
While the second edition DJ has the same “$2.00” price, I have a later printing from the early 1950’s with “$2.50” price and identical front and back flap text as the first edition DJ.
I have a copy of “Song of the Swallows” It has a copywright date of 1949. It also has an inscription on the inside. It is also signed with a date. I can only make out 19 9. The third number is not clear to me. It is signed by Leo Politi. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated. The inscription says To dear Becky Merry Christmas Leo Politi. It also has a hand drawn swallow and flowers.
Thank you for your time.