4x5.5x.5" thick. First edition in earliest binding. Between 50-60,000 were printed and never issued for sale but rather given to members of the military for inspirational reading. Demand for the text became so heavy that in 1965 it was reprinted multiple times with the addition of two chapters and a final 33rd chapter added to the third edition in August 1965. Textually complete, including the Lin Biao endorsement leaf containing the uncorrected calligraphic endorsement that precedes the Preface and Table of Contents. When reprinted 1965 onwards, the facsimile endorsement in Lin's handwriting had its text corrected. After rumors of Lin and his family plotting to assassinate Mao, they were shot down while flying over Inner Mongolia en route to Russia in 1971. At that time Chinese citizens were urged to tear out the endorsement leaf by Lin contained in all copies of the Little Red Book up to that point in an effort to eradicate his name from history. During 1966 to show loyalty to the Party every citizen had to possess it. Interior features sepia toned portrait of Mao. Comes with "Quotations Of Chairman Mao A Short Bibliographical Study" printed by The Grolier Club featuring illustrations and text about different editions as well as invitation to event at Grolier. Faint ownership name bottom left. Edge wear and minor loss at top of spine. Otherwise only scattered toning worst of which is 1" dia spot at bottom of cover. Fine. Rare. An iconic historical artifact.