Binding: Hardcover
Book Condition: Near Fine in Fine dust jacket
Edition: First Edition; First Printing
Size: 4to
Publisher: Harper & Brothers, 1935, New York
Illustrator: Illustrated by Dr. Heinrich Hoffmann; Color Illustrations

[Book #14502]

A beautiful First Trade Edition/ First Print in Near Fine/Fine condition. Copyright page states "First Edition; and code letters K-K, signifying printed October, 1935 Issued in pictorial boards." (BAL #3555) Illustrations are very bright, pages show minor browning. Textblock is slightly separated in two places; otherwise, book is in Fine condition with only minor wear;

In the foreword, Twain's daughter Clara explains the circumstances under which her father decided to translate into English the classic German children's book Der Struwwelpeter. Twain was intrigued by the jingles and illustrations about unruly children penned by general practitioner Dr. Heinrich Hoffmann and decided to very loosely "Americanize" the antics of the thumbsucking boy and the match playing little girl. Both Dr. Hoffmann and Twain recognized the dark side of childhood that only another child, whether German or American, can recognize.

Basis for Off-Broadway play titled "Shock Headed Peter" in 2003