When I mentioned in a previous post that I was looking for a copy of a favourite book from childhood, readers came to the rescue. Nancy Sotham in Canada and Vida in Australia forwarded links to the same online bookseller, Abe Books.
I ordered a 1929 edition of Hitty: Her First Hundred Years. Rachel Field's classic book was first published in 1929 by MacMillan. It is a library version, with an orange cover with black marks meant to resemble wood and a few torn pages repaired with now-yellowed tape. The lovely illustrations are by Dorothy P. Lathrop. I was thrilled to get it and re-read Hitty's adventures - including long ocean voyages and falling at the feet of Charles Dickens! Thank you, dear readers!
Oh, MY! Check out all the fun Hittys at
hittygirls.com
And did you know that Hitty is a real doll, who now resides in the library/museum in Stockbridge, MA. ??! I have a bunch of Hitty stuff on my blog...
Congratulations on the purchase of your book. It is a treasure!
Posted by: Martha | 02 March 2008 at 14:07
Beautiful. You've reminded me, I'd love to get my hands on a Milly Molly Mandy book ...
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 18 February 2008 at 10:32
I love children's books. This one has the most adorable pictures.
Posted by: marja | 18 February 2008 at 10:18
beautiful prints!!!!
Posted by: Caty | 18 February 2008 at 08:14
And what wonderful illustrations.
Posted by: Rosa | 18 February 2008 at 07:57
I JUST finished reading this book for the first time. It was wonderful!! I wish I would have known about it as a young child!! The neat thing is...is that the real doll is in the Library (or museum...can't remember) just a couple of towns over from me!! I need to go "meet" her!!! :)
Posted by: Erin | 18 February 2008 at 00:51
Oh Tara, I love Hitty!! I have my copy from childhood, not quite as unique as your new one, but definately special. It is the first chapter book I give every budding reader in my life. Just gave it as a birthday present last year. Thanks for reminding me of such good memories. smooches!
Posted by: Leau | 17 February 2008 at 23:07
What a charming little book -- no wonder you loved it and wanted a copy. How delightful that two of your reader friends knew where to send you to find one!!
Posted by: sherry | 17 February 2008 at 22:25
Fantastic illustrations! I must see more...
Posted by: amy rigby | 17 February 2008 at 22:21
Wonderful! I don't know the book, but it looks like something I'd love. (And I wouldn't even tear it up for use in collage!!)
Posted by: Colette | 17 February 2008 at 21:41
oh what a sweet book! My favourites were the Milly Molly Mandy series :-)
Posted by: Amy | 17 February 2008 at 21:02
What a treasure! Thanks for sharing the pictures, too.
Posted by: Becca | 17 February 2008 at 20:57
A treasure indeed. My public library system has the book, and 26 others by Rachel Field. I missed them as a child, but they will be a treat now. Thanks again.
Posted by: Jane Librizzi | 17 February 2008 at 18:16
What a wonderful book!! But then I do have a book thing!
Posted by: jzr | 17 February 2008 at 17:35
Hi Tara!
I am so happy that you and Hitty have been joyfully reunited after all these years apart!
Posted by: Nancy Sotham | 17 February 2008 at 17:28
What a fabulous treasure! Beautiful and inspiring!
blessings,
kari & kijsa
Posted by: kari & kijsa | 17 February 2008 at 17:14
your taste in books is exquisite. your good reads floored me...i never heard of this series you mention here, glad other bloggers came to the rescue!:)
Novel
Posted by: Novel Nymph | 17 February 2008 at 17:00
What a treasure!
Posted by: materfamilias | 17 February 2008 at 16:04
Oh Tara,
How wonderful that via your blog friends that your favorite childhood book about Hitty, came back into your life. I've never heard of it before you spoke of it. Looks like my kind of book too!
Thinking of YOU.
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 17 February 2008 at 15:52