Walt Disney's Abridged Version Of Pinocchio
Printed by Shepherd & Newman Pty Ltd
Published by Selected Publications: Sydney c1942
Early & Scarce Australian Disney Publication In Original Pictorial Covers
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Walt Disney's Abridged Version of Pinocchio is an early Australian-produced adaptation of Disney's celebrated animated interpretation of Carlo Collodi's classic tale. Published in Sydney by Selected Publications and printed locally by Shepherd & Newman Pty Ltd, this charming booklet dates from around 1942, only shortly after Walt Disney's Pinocchio first appeared on cinema screens in 1940. Produced under permission from Walt Disney Mickey Mouse A/sia Pty Ltd, it represents an appealing piece of early Disney publishing in Australia.
The abridged story follows the familiar adventures of the wooden puppet Pinocchio, beginning with Geppetto's wish that his newly made puppet might become a real boy. The Blue Fairy brings Pinocchio to life and appoints Jiminy Cricket as his conscience, setting in motion his encounters with characters including Honest John, Gideon and Stromboli. His adventures eventually lead to the dramatic search for Geppetto and their encounter with the enormous whale Monstro, before Pinocchio's courage and selflessness earn him his transformation into a real boy.
Particularly attractive is the booklet's extensive use of colour illustrations derived from Disney's animated production, including scenes of the Blue Fairy awakening Pinocchio, Geppetto's workshop, Pinocchio's encounters with the film's villains and the dramatic Monstro sequence. The original pictorial front cover features Geppetto, Pinocchio and Figaro in the workshop, while the rear depicts Jiminy Cricket as Pinocchio's "Official Conscience." Its modest stapled format, period colour printing and distinctly Australian production give the publication considerable character as a surviving piece of early Disney ephemera.
An early and scarce Australian Disney publication, this c.1942 Sydney edition is considerably less commonly encountered than the numerous later British and American Disney children's books. The survival of the original pictorial covers, together with the Australian printer, publisher and Disney licensing details retained at the conclusion of the text, makes this an especially interesting item for collectors of early Walt Disney publications, Australian children's books, animation history and vintage Disneyana."
Light wear with some staining/fading etc to original soft wrap covers as shown. No loose pages. No inscriptions. Some age staining/light foxing present. Binding is excellent with no loose pages. A nice copy of this scarce and desirable book in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
