Tin Woodman Of Oz First Edition – Reilly & Britton 1918 L. Frank Baum John R. Neill Illustrated
An attractive early issue of L. Frank Baum's The Tin Woodman of Oz, published in 1918 by Reilly & Britton of Chicago and illustrated by John R. Neill. Among the most recognizable titles in the Oz series, this example retains the desirable Reilly & Britton imprint, complete color plate program, and documented 1920 provenance. The book presents as a genuine collector copy with strong visual appeal, an attractive pictorial cover label, and a notably well-preserved spine for a children's book now more than a century old.
The Tin Woodman of Oz by L. Frank Baum is one of the cornerstone titles in the original Oz series, offered here in a desirable 1918 Reilly & Britton issue with illustrations by John R. Neill. This copy combines the bibliographic strength serious Oz collectors look for with the visual charm that continues to make Baum’s books enduring objects of affection more than a century after publication.
Published in Chicago by Reilly & Britton, this volume predates the later Reilly & Lee imprint and belongs to the earlier period of Oz publication. The book retains its pictorial cover label, readable and attractive spine, and complete suite of twelve John R. Neill color plates. The title-page opening, imprint, and color illustrations give the book strong collector and display value.
Background and Collector Interest
The Tin Woodman of Oz was published in 1918 as the twelfth full-length Oz book by L. Frank Baum. The Reilly & Britton imprint is an important point for collectors because the firm changed to Reilly & Lee shortly thereafter. While many later Oz printings survive, properly identified early Reilly & Britton copies occupy a more desirable position in the market for American children’s literature.
John R. Neill’s illustrations are central to the appeal of this book. His color plates and text illustrations helped define the visual world of Oz for generations of readers. In this example, the presence of all twelve color plates is a significant strength and should be noted by collectors evaluating completeness.
Provenance
This copy is accompanied by an original postcard postmarked September 29, 1920 and addressed to Doris Dibb of Bogota, New Jersey. The card documents the book as a birthday gift and provides a tangible connection to an early owner. Such surviving personal documentation gives the book a more complete story than an anonymous copy and adds historical interest beyond the bibliographic points alone.
Condition
Complete with all twelve color plates. The book presents well overall, with age-appropriate wear from use and storage. Observed condition includes rubbing and edge wear to the cloth binding, moderate corner wear, light soiling to portions of the rear board, and an ownership inscription. The spine remains attractive and readable, the pictorial cover label displays well, and the interior appears clean overall. Hinges appear sound based on examination of the photographs.
Measurements
Height: 9 3/8 inches
Width: 7 1/8 inches
Depth: 1 1/2 inches
Why Collect
Early Oz books remain a foundational collecting area within American juvenile literature. This copy is especially appealing because it brings together the Reilly & Britton imprint, complete color plates, attractive presentation, and documented 1920 provenance. It is the kind of example that rewards close examination: not merely an old children’s book, but an artifact with bibliographic, visual, and personal history.
Reference
Baum, L. Frank. The Tin Woodman of Oz. Chicago: Reilly & Britton, 1918.
Bienvenue, Paul R., and Robert E. Schmidt. The Book Collector’s Guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz.
