Product Description

1845 children’s book relates the consequences that befall children who torment animals, play with matches, suck their thumbs, etc.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13563 in Books
• Published on: 1995-04-07
• Original language: German
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780486284699
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Language Notes
Text: English, German (translation)
Original Language: German

Customer Reviews

A Grim Delight
I read this little gem in 4th grade--my best friend stumbled across it somehow and showed it to me and we were both fascinated and disgusted (and a little frightened) by the stories and, more directly, by the charmingly rustic drawings. The now infamous story of Little Suck-a-Thumb made us both very relieved that we were, neither one, thumb-suckers. (the Red Long-Legged Scissor Man haunts me to this day...such a vivid and menacing figure, doncha think?) With Augustus--many modern women wish it were so easy to "become a little string". And as far as Harriet and the matches--I only wish my kitties would cry for me as Harriet's did...But I recommend this book heartily for adults who love the grim aspects of the Grimm fairy tales and anyone who liked the any Victorian/Edwardian "fairy stories" as a child (the original "Little Black Sambo" is another good vintage child's book...anyone reading it will see the racial aspects of the book are virtually non-existent. It only makes me hungry for pancakes!). Parental cautions? I am buying this for not only me but for my 7-month-old daughter. As to whether she will get to read it or not...well, I dunno. I think I will also buy a copy of "Peter Rabbit" as well. Mr MacGregor is a little less scary than the nasty red-long-legged Scissor Man.

There's a lesson in this....
It's hard not to burst into xenophobic raptures when contemplating this bizarre little book. I mean, where else could a children's book of such an austere and humourless moral tone have originated than nineteenth century Germany? Have you heard the story of Harriet who played with matches? She BURNS TO DEATH! What should happen to naughty Conrad who sucks his thumbs when his mother isn't looking? The Long Legged Scissor Man leaps out of a door and CUTS HIS THUMBS OFF WITH A HUGE PAIR OF SHEARS, OF COURSE! And what of Augustus, who wouldn't eat his soup? HE STARVES TO DEATH! Naturally!

The only thing more ghastly than reading this to your lovely child as she or he is tucked up in bed is reading it in the original German: fear not if you don't understand German; in fact it's even better that way: far more scary!

And all illustrated in the most grotesque fashion, sure to surprise, delight and permanently derange even the most pleasantly disposed child.

Well, it never did me any harm...

Olly Buxton

They don't write them like this anymore (m)
My mother & I were both raised on this book. It didn't scare us because the horrid, nasty things were all happening to children who were being particularly bad, and the so-called violence was as unrealistic as the witch eating Hansel & Gretel. Even a small child can distinguish these "tall tales" from reality. I will admit, that we grew up to be particularly law-abiding adults. Maybe there is a connection.