Der Struwwelpeter

Heinrich Hoffman. Der Struwwelpeter. Leipzig: Verlag von A. Anton & Co. [n.d.] 7 7/8 x 5 1/2 inches [approx.] Original boards, printed throughout on cardstock.

A Mid to Late Nineteenth Century edition, Hoffman's name appears in full on the cover (the fifth edition printed in 1847 is the first to include his full name. 

Der Struwwelpeter is one of the earliest books for children that combines visual and verbal narratives in a book format, and is considered a precursor to comic books.

'Struwwelpeter' is a series of illustrated cautionary tales set to rhyme. It has become a classic in children's literature, frequently reprinted, translated, bootlegged and parodied. It's even the second most widely translated German-language book of all time, only surpassed by Grimm's fairy tales. Yet 'Struwwelpeter' owes its lasting fame particularly to the gruesome and morbid stories and Hoffmann's chilling drawings. On one hand, the book is generally considered too disturbing for modern-day young readers. On the other hand, its horror reputation also explains why it outlasted many other 19th-century children's books.

Der Struwwelpeter is known for introducing the villainous character of the Tailor (or Scissorman) to Western literature. Some researchers now see the stories in the book as illustrations of modern child mental disorders. THe definitive German harsh tales for children illustrated book.

Age toned and stained, on hinge split.