Struwwelpeter (translated as “slovenly” or “shock-headed” Peter) is one of the most popular and influential children’s books ever written. It is the most widely published German book. It has been translated into over 35 languages. Rhyming couplets and grotesque pictures portray the often gruesome consequences that befall children who misbehave. A boy who doesn’t groom himself is unpopular. A girl plays with matches and burns to death. A child, who won’t stop sucking his thumb, has both thumbs cut off. A boy, who refuses to eat his soup, wastes away and dies. Today’s children will distinguish these tales from reality and will probably even giggle. Also included are a Foreword by Mark Twain’s daughter (1934), an Introduction with information on how the book came to be written, and a note by Mark Twain (1891). Maurice Sendak said that Struwwelpeter is “graphically one of the most beautiful books in the world.” And Slovenly Peter’s influence is evident in Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands. mjw |
Title: Slovenly Peter: Freely Translated Into English By Mark Twain
Author: Heinrich Hoffmann (1809-1894)
Illustrator: Fritz Kredel (1900-1973)
Publisher: Calla Editions, an imprint of Dover Publications, Inc. Mineola, New York
Copyright: 2013
Original Language: German
Translator: Mark Twain (1835-1910)
Original Title: Der Struwwelpeter (or Shockheaded Peter)
Original Publisher: Marchbanks Press, New York
Original Copyright: 1935, 1845
ISBN: 978-1-60660-048-1
Hardcover pages: 34
Age range: 8-14
Genre: Poetry, Rhymed stories
Author’s ethnicity: German
Translator’s ethnicity: U.S.
Illustrator’s ethnicity: German
Subjects: Boys, Conduct of life, Exaggeration, Girls, Misbehavior, Morality tales, Morals, Nursery rhymes |