The Story of Dago by Annie Fellows Johnston (First Edition), 1900 🐒📚🐾
The Story of Dago by Annie Fellows Johnston (First Edition), 1900 🐒📚🐾
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1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️
This First Edition of The Story of Dago is a children's tale by Annie Fellows Johnston. Published in 1900 by L. C. Page & Company, the book features a unique narrative from the perspective of a mischievous monkey. The volume is a verifiable artifact of early 20th-century children's literature.
This particular copy, with its prior owner's inscription and ex-libris tag, is a sound acquisition for a collector of antique children's books or early Americana.
2. About the Book 📖✍️✨
"The Story of Dago" is a children’s novel about a monkey named Dago who recounts his life story, from the jungle to a traveling circus and finally to a new home in America. The narrative explores themes of friendship, family, and the challenges of adapting to new environments.
The book is enhanced by illustrations from Ethelred B. Barry, a children’s book illustrator of the era. This edition is a reflection of a time when children’s literature often conveyed moral lessons through allegorical tales.
3. About the Author ✍️🏛️
Annie Fellows Johnston (1863-1931) was an American author of children's fiction, best known for her immensely popular "The Little Colonel" series. A prolific writer, she authored over 40 books and was a literary figure in her time.
Her writing was inspired by her life in Pewee Valley, Kentucky, and often drew on real-life people and places. Her influence on children's literature and her ability to craft engaging stories remain.
4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜
Published at the turn of the 20th century, this book is a time capsule of an era when children's literature was a burgeoning and influential genre. This period saw a rise in stories that emphasized moral values, family bonds, and a connection to nature.
This book reflects the sentiment of the time, where a simple animal tale could be used to teach lessons about human behavior and social dynamics. It offers a glimpse into the literary trends and cultural values of pre-World War I America.
5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️
This book is for a collector of early children’s literature, a historian of American publishing, or a private library of pre-World War I fiction. It is an item for an individual who values the unique history of an old book.
The presence of the ex-libris tag and inscription makes it a unique piece with a personal story.
6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️
This 1900 First Edition is 125 years old.
Its value is in its status as a classic work of early children's fiction and the scarcity of well-preserved copies from this era. The book's original illustrated hardcover is a key component of its aesthetic value.
7. Condition 🔎📚✨
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Used antique condition with signs of its journey over a century.
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The binding is intact and the book's integrity remains sound.
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The original hardcover shows significant wear, rubbing, and fading.
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The pages are discolored, which is consistent with the book's age.
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There are some pencil scribbles on the front cover.
8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩
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Annie Fellows Johnston’s most famous series, "The Little Colonel," was adapted into a 1935 film starring Shirley Temple, a cinematic landmark that brought her work to a new generation.
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Johnston was a meticulous researcher who based many of her characters and settings on real people and places in Pewee Valley, Kentucky.
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She was a beloved figure among her readers, and "Little Colonel Clubs" were formed across the country.
9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰
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Title: The Story of Dago
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Author/Maker: Annie Fellows Johnston
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Year: 1900
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Publisher/Foundry: L. C. Page & Company
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Place of Origin: Boston, USA
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Format/Binding: Hardcover
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Edition: First Edition
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Rarity: Unique (due to history)
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Transcription of Inscription: "Helen Bidel"





















