POGO by Walt Kelly (1951 Initialed 1st Edition of 1st Paperback of Comic Strip) • Author: Walter Crawford Kelly, Jr. (1913-1973) • Publisher: Simon and Schuster New York, NY U.S.A. 1951 First paperback collection of Pogo comic strips which contains strips originally published in newspapers 1949, 1950 1951. The copy for sale is the first edition of this paperback. This is known because of the shameless 4 paragraph self-promotion along with the printed $1.00 MSR inside the front cover. On the rear cover, written with a grease pencil, looks to be “W K” written as Walt Kelly forms those letters in recorded examples of his signature. We believe this is a Walt Kelly’s initialed copy. No provenance regarding these initials remains attached. The book consists of the self-advertisement above, a cartoon spoof of the Simon Schuster colophon running through the title page, table of contents, a dedication page labeled “Disclaimer,” and 14 topical B W comic strip chapters. viii + 182pp. Walter Crawford Kelly, Jr. (1913-1973) was named Cartoonist of the Year by the National Cartoonists Society in 1952. Pogo remains one of the world's most popular comic strips. A collection of comic strips by the immortal Walt Kelly featuring characters that lived in the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia. Often a vehicle for political commentary, Kelly made famous the revised Commodore Perry quote "We have met the enemy, and he is us." Paperback cover has brick red background with B W cartoons front and back, black lettering on spine. Cover is whole with minor wear at edges. On the rear cover, written with a grease pencil, looks to be “W K” written as Walt Kelly forms those letters in recorded examples of his signature. Interior is fine (as new) given it is over 70 years old; tight, clean and unmarked. Pages are white, but beginning to show discoloring from outside toward in. Size: 8vo – over 7 - 9” tall, 190pp. Condition: Fine (As New) Paperback – 1st Edition of 1st POGO book. Always privately owned. No Ownership markings. INITIALED by AUTHOR. Copyright 1949, 1950 1951. First edition points noted above. Printed in U.S.A. No ISBN nor LCCN. MSR = US $1.00. Notes on Condition/Edition ratings: Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.” Using the same term as coin collectors, “can’t guarantee it is uncirculated, but it looks very much like it could be.” Booksellers need similar grading to describe this... Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher. Same sort of thing about grading as Fine above except generally used for newer publication dates for titles still in print. Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age title, shows the book has been read or previously owned. Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.) Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask). Usually requires repair to be usable. Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end. 1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy for their collection. Thanks for looking!