Smokey Bear 20252: A Biography

Alexandria: Lindsay Smith Publishers, 1994. Hardcover. Small 4to. Green cloth with gilt spine lettering, pictorial dust jacket. xiv, 406pp. Illustrations (some color). Fine/near fine. Handsome and tight second printing of this "biography" of the iconic U.S. Forest Service character -- drawn by different artists but established, made loveable and household-name famous by Rudolph Wendelin (1910-2000). This copy with choice autograph addition: Tipped facing the title page is a unique frontispiece, an excellent content Typed Letter Signed from Lawter, 1p, 8½" X 11", Ponca City, OK, 8 March 1994. Addressed to Jean Pablo (U.S. Forest Service historian and close friend of Rudy Wendelin). Near fine. Two original horizontal folds. On personal letterhead, Lawter congratulates Pablo on a "Smokey the Bear" exhibition and chats about the challenges of writing this book. In part: "I've always been in such a darn hurry and I have had to ask questions fast, take notes even faster, rush through photos, speed from one place to the next, etc., etc., etc. One of these days I just want to sit back and get to know people like you...." He goes on to thank Pablo for her help with this book -- "your name will appear in the book's acknowledgments, text, index and bibliography.... I can't thank you enough for your time, interest and support." Signed simply "Bill" in black ballpoint. A most unusual copy of a surprisingly uncommon title.