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Told By Uncle Remus, by Joel Chandler Harris, (RARE, Illustrated by A.B. Frost), Undated

Name: Told By Uncle Remus, by Joel Chandler Harris, (RARE, Illustrated by A.B. Frost), Undated
Brand: Wall Antiques
Price: 35.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$35.00

Sale Sold out

Step into the rich tapestry of American folklore with "Told By Uncle Remus: New Stories Of The Old Plantation"by Joel Chandler Harris. This collection, published by Grosset & Dunlap in New York, presents a captivating series of folk tales narrated by the enduring character Uncle Remus. This edition features charming illustrations by A.B. Frost, J.M. Conde, and Frank Verbeck, bringing these characters to life.

A Synopsis of the Book

"Told By Uncle Remus" is a collection of captivating folk tales, deeply rooted in the oral tradition of the American South. These stories, recounted by the elderly African American character Uncle Remus to a young white boy, feature iconic anthropomorphic animals like the cunning Br'er Rabbit and the wily Br'er Fox. Through their narratives, the tales often impart subtle moral lessons and cultural insights, reflecting the complex social dynamics of the post-Civil War South. Harris's distinctive use of dialect and his faithful capture of the storytelling style of the era serve to preserve a vital segment of African American folk tradition. The book is enhanced by 13 pages of illustrations, which beautifully complement the tales, bringing the characters and their adventures to life.

About the Author

Joel Chandler Harris was an influential American journalist, fiction writer, and folklorist, celebrated for his creation of the Uncle Remus stories. He committed his career to the preservation of the oral traditions of the Southern United States, particularly the rich African American folk tales he encountered. While his body of work has historically garnered both celebration and criticism for its complex portrayal of race and dialect, Harris's contributions to American literature and the field of folklore are significant. He played a notable role in introducing these stories to a wider audience, and his work remains an important and integral part of the American literary canon.

Historical Context

The publication of this book in the early 20th century by a reprint publisher like Grosset & Dunlap reflects a period of widespread interest in American folklore and regional literature. The book's style, with its focus on dialect and a plantation setting, is a historical document that provides insight into the cultural attitudes and racial representations of its time. The inclusion of illustrations by A.B. Frost further places the book within the aesthetic of early 20th-century illustrated books.

Why This Book Is Valuable

This edition of "Told By Uncle Remus" is a valuable and highly collectible item, particularly for those interested in American folklore, early 20th-century literature, and the history of race and representation in publishing. Its primary value lies in its status as a collection of canonical American folk tales. The detailed illustrations by the well-known artist A.B. Frost further enhance its aesthetic and historical appeal for collectors of early 20th-century illustrated books. Despite the complexities surrounding the dialect and racial portrayals, this book remains a tangible piece of American cultural history, providing a direct connection to how these stories were disseminated and consumed over a century ago.

Condition

This book is a used hardcover edition with a decorative pictorial cloth binding. The binding shows visible wear consistent with its age, including rubbing, scuffing, and some discoloration to the boards. The pages are age-toned but remain clear and legible. There are no personal inscriptions or markings. This item came from a local estate sale and was in the previous owner's home office for many years. Please review each photo carefully for details.