46fd0eef-54a0-4d64-aec4-e93ede06f029
69b683e0-c805-4952-8834-3dbc0621adb7
7f2b7a2f-cf4d-4aba-8b5b-1212938fcb2f
6de40c5e-17d0-4c38-84b9-687b29015321
9088ef6f-7c59-4870-801b-a3eaa7d093ba
68b012cf-c851-4ed4-82c4-5bf2709e2c23
b17b609d-8081-47e3-83e6-9a1b8e11c655
13282954-c18c-4bd3-9093-9d721bc56904
ec9698e7-357f-4563-8291-09fbcb1e849e
322c5e01-5298-4765-8229-bd9416bfeba0
f8e14908-3f5f-444b-96de-9cd626729d47
84195220-6482-46de-84b4-6e676a842ce3

1939 The Story Of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf Antique Illustrated Childrens Book

$95.00

Tax includedShipping calculated at checkout


Condition: Good

Please see below for more condition details

Only 1 in stock!
1939 The Story Of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf Antique Illustrated Childrens Book

The Story Of Ferdinand
By Munro Leaf
Illustrated by Robert Lawson
Published by Hamish Hamilton: London 1939

" Munro Leaf's The Story of Ferdinand, beautifully illustrated by Robert Lawson, is a timeless and gently subversive tale that first appeared in 1937 and quickly became a classic of children's literature. Set in the Spanish countryside, it tells the story of Ferdinand, a young bull who prefers sitting quietly beneath a cork tree, smelling flowers, rather than engaging in the rough-and-tumble antics of the other bulls. Leaf's simple, rhythmic prose, paired with Lawson's distinctive pen-and-ink illustrations, creates a work of enduring charm and quiet humour.

As Ferdinand grows, his peaceful nature sets him apart, yet it is precisely this difference that leads to his unexpected selection for the bullfights in Madrid. Mistaken for the fiercest and strongest after an unfortunate encounter with a bee, he is taken to the arena, where expectations of spectacle and aggression run high. However, Ferdinand remains true to himself, calmly sitting in the ring and refusing to fight, confounding the matador and the crowd alike. In this gentle act of defiance, the story offers a subtle but powerful message about individuality, nonconformity, and the courage to remain authentic.

Though often read as a simple children's fable, The Story of Ferdinand has long been appreciated for its deeper themes of pacifism and quiet resistance, particularly in the context of its pre-war publication. Its enduring appeal lies in its elegant simplicity and the warmth of its message, supported by Lawson's expressive illustrations that bring both humour and tenderness to the narrative. This beloved classic will appeal to collectors of illustrated children's books, admirers of early 20th-century illustration, and readers drawn to gentle, meaningful storytelling."

General wear and light staining to covers with some damage to outer spine as shown. Inscription present. Binding decent with no loose pages. All illustrations present. Pages clean. Good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.

Size 21cm x 19cm x 1cm (unpaginated)

PRODUCT DETAILS


Condition: Good
Binding: Hardcover
Special Attributes: ["Illustrated", "Original Bindings"]
Region: Europe
Subject: Children's
Original/Facsimile: Original
Seller Notes: General wear and light staining to covers with some damage to outer spine as shown. Inscription present. Binding decent with no loose pages. All illustrations present. Pages clean. Good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Language: English
Author: Munro Leaf
Publisher: Hamish Hamilton: London
Year Printed: 1939
Sub-subject: Antique Children's