Title: The Caroline Kennedy First Lady Dress-Up Book
Author: Dalton, Arlene
Description: [26] pp. With color drawings of Caroline Kennedy in different historical dresses throughout, illustrated by Charlotte Jetter, plus illustrated double title page; pictorial endpapers. 27.7x20 (11x7¾"), pictorial red boards with a portrait photograph of Caroline on the front cover, lettered in white. First Edition, First (and only) Printing.The seldom seen Caroline Kennedy children’s book, which was slated for mass distribution at the same time when her father, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated. “According to the printer, fewer than 1,000 test copies were printed. The launch date for the presentation of the book to the public was scheduled to be held on November 22, 1963 at Rizzoli’s. Obviously, the assassination brought an immediate halt to the project” from Guernsey’s catalogue description. In March 1998, Guernsey’s (in New York) offered what was then thought to be the only known copy, which went for $5000.00 in their Guernsey’s Auction of Kennedy Memorabilia. In this rare allowance, the Kennedy’s permitted Caroline to be commercialized and showcased in a book, showing the 6-year old in various historical dresses of the former U.S. Presidential First Ladies, as drawn by Charlotte Jetter. “The drawings are accompanied by descriptive narrations of the dresses which portray the styles worn in their respective eras. The book includes children’s poems about Caroline’s favorite dog and pony. Other poems include ‘The Twist’ and ‘The New Frontier.’ Author Arlene Dalton was a close friend of Jacqueline Kennedy who previously worked at Random House. Jacqueline took advantage of this opportunity to offer Arlene Dalton employment. In an attempt to procure a protective hold around her family, Jacqueline Kennedy involved herself at the highest level, personally supervising and approving every level of production, from publication to marketing. However, in an attempt to avoid any suggestion of Kennedy exploitation in this sensitive production, the book was written entirely independently and without any reference of Jacqueline Kennedy’s role” – from Guernsey’s description. One of only a few known copies to survive!
Heading: (Kennedy, Caroline)Place Published: New York
Publisher: Rolton House Publishers
Date Published: 1963
Film laminate cover over the boards peeling, some white discolored spots to the boards, fading to front board, good to very good.
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| Estimate | $700 - $1,000 |
| Starting Bid | $350 |
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