The Story of Annabelle Ant.
N.p. n.d. Small quarto. (ii), 36pp. This is a unique pre-production edition of Mary E. Williamson's children's book, which seems to never have been published. The text is handwritten in black ink, and the illustrations are hand-drawn and colored with ink and paint, all on boards. The story follows an old, hardworking ant who wins a contest to craft the queen ant's wedding dress. While the illustrator, Mary K. Luckett is largely unknown, Williamson was involved in the world of publishing throughout her many careers. After serving as a pilot in the WASP (Women Air Force Service Pilots) program in World War II, she acted as the public relations director for the Kansas City Tuberculosis Society and taught at the Department of Speech and Mass Communication at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where she also acted as the Dean for the College of Fine Arts, University Relations Director, and, eventually, Chair of the Communications Department. She was also an associate of the Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press, Vice President of Nebraska Cable Television, and a constant advocate for Nebraska small businesses. In 2010, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for her service as a WASP. The book, though apparently never published, reflects Williamson's values of entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, and the promotion of local voices. Bound in black leatherette over boards with an illustrated title panel inset on the front cover. General wear at outer hinges, corners bumped, occasional tears to inner boards, some flaking to acrylic paint, pages 27 and 29 partially detached, and pages 7 and 9 completely detached. Very good, with Williamson's own typescript and handwritten comments laid in. Item #27680
Price: $1,250.00