Bambi. Eine Lebensgeschichte aus dem Walde.
8vo. 186 pp., 3 ff. With 25 illustrated initials. Original illustrated half cloth.
First edition of Salten's classic children's book, extremely rare. Inscribed by the author to Henny Kienzl, wife of the Austrian composer Wilhelm Kienzl: "Frau Henny Kienzl in Freundschaft, Weihnachten 23 Felix Salten". Henny Kienzl (1876-1964) wrote the librettos for her husband's last three operas.
This classic of animal fiction formed the basis for Walt Disney's like-named box-office success in 1942. Salten, used to living beyond his means and always strapped for cash, sold "Bambi" to the Disney Studios in 1933 for a mere 1,000 dollars.
Light staining; somewhat chafed and bumped; extremeties chipped. Binding a little warped. Paper browned throughout in the margins.
WG² 30.