American writer and illustrator (1880–1938) whose stories featuring the rag dolls Raggedy Ann and Andy take a place among the most beloved and best-selling children’s literature of all time. Five elaborate sketches, including two very rare sketches of Raggedy Ann and Andy, contained in a guest book of industrialist George D. Morgan at his Poniente Morgan Island retreat. The book itself measures 9 x 7 and was used from 1926–1937. The sketches span a period of two years of visits from 1935–1937. The first sketch depicts four images of two stick figures enjoying several cocktails at a table, agreeing at first to have just one, and progressing to say, “This is the last one,” as empty bottles are scattered on the floor, with the final image showing two obviously inebriated figures laying on the floor insisting that they are having their final drink. Signed underneath, “Aug 31-Sept 12, Johnny Gruelle, Miami Beach.” On the reverse of the same page, Gruelle has drawn several hilarious figures including a sparkling mint julep, six people playing poker, a woman raising another mint julep next to a large bottle of liquor, and poker chips and a card hand containing four aces. Gruelle has captioned the sketches, “Eloise and George give a mint julep, dinner, and poker party…Complete list of the seriously injured: Julia & Frank Tallman, Edna & Jesse Smith, Myrtle & Johnny Gruelle, Eloise & Georgie Morgan.”
Gruelle’s next visit comes on August 17, 1936. On the top of the page he draws five staggering stick figures with their glasses raised, captioned, “The gang with their mint juleps—Johnny Gruelle, A lovely, gorgeous party even if the help did get drunk—,” adding three images of the butler passed out in the left margin of the page. A bit lower on the page, he has drawn George and Eloise Morgan kicking the butler and cook in their rear ends, captioned “Down with the upper classes! Up with the forgotten man!!! 9:30—All is swell! All is swell! Wat the ‘ell! Gleeps! The day has finished!!!!!—Gleeps!!!” On the reverse of the page, dated August 12–September 8, 1936, Gruelle has drawn a charming image of Raggedy Ann and Andy saluting their hosts, George and Eloise, and their two dogs, with a quote from Raggedy Ann “The richest one is he who spends his life in kindness, making friends.” Beneath the sketch Gruelle writes, “For the lovely time you have given the Raggedys in their months visit, they will always have their arms about your shoulders—and their hearts will be filled with love and gratitude for your lovely friendship and generous hospitality—Myrtle & Johnny Gruelle.”
The final sketch from their September 1937 stay shows the Raggedys sitting in the grass holding hands, and is signed and inscribed, “The Raggedys, for the third time enjoy the lovely hospitality of Eloise and Georgie—Myrtle & Johnny Gruelle—Sep 21, 1937.” In fine condition, with mild uniform toning to pages, some scattered light staining, and wear to covers. Any sketch of even one of the Raggedys is quite uncommon, to have two is practically unheard of, paired with the three other rather adult-orientated images done for the host, make this book a one-of-a-kind item. RR Auction COA.
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