Square 16mo. (30)ff. Written by Gorey and illustrated with his black and white drawings, this is the story of a bloated baby with two left hands, a guilty conscience, malice in his heart, and a nose that appeared older than the rest of him. This is the first publication from Gorey's Fantod Press, published under the name Ogdred Weary, one of his many anagram pseudonyms. Mark Dery, in his biography of Gorey, notes that "Fantod was a child of necessity" as Gorey brought it into existence for the purpose of publishing this book. Although not indicated, this copy is from the library of Alison Lurie, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Gorey's longtime friend. This association is significant, as Dery further points out that Gorey wrote The Beastly Baby in 1953, apparently inspired by a photograph of Lurie's newborn son. He would also present a version of this story to Lurie as a shower gift. (Born to Be Posthumous, p. 220). Several small spots to back cover, otherwise nearly fine in printed wrappers.