It’s Better with Your Shoes Off
Tokyo: Charles E. Tuttle Co., 1955. First printing. Hardcover.
A Good copy, showing light water damage to the case and front endpaper, which also bears a Union College library bookplate. “Review Copy” stamped to the half title page. Split front hinge, though the binding is hanging on. Issued without dust jacket. Stated first printing. 96 pages. 8.25” x 6”.
Cartoonist and Vassar alum Anne Cleveland (1916–2009) began her art career by documenting, along with fellow student Jean Anderson, university life in several collections of humorous drawings.
After WWII, Cleveland moved with her husband to Japan, where she eventually published It’s Better with Your Shoes Off (1955), a series of cartoons depicting outsiders adjusting to life overseas. Though some of the humor, leaning into exotification and caricature, borders on the offensive, Cleveland is clearly attempting to ease the tension of a steep learning curve light-heartedly.
Price: $35.00