Heroes and Heroines

New York: E.P. Dutton & Co, 1933. First American edition of the Farjeons’ comic verse history of real-life heroes and heroines, a sequel to their popular Kings and Queens, illustrated by Rosalind Thornycroft. Featured historical figures include Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, Christopher Columbus, Pocahontas, Napoleon, Horatio Nelson, Florence Nightingale, and Buffalo Bill. Each subject receives a full-page portrait and a verse written in a different meter, from straightforward ballads to the syncopation inspired by Saladin: “A sumptuous turban his temples are clad in! / His robe is of silk, which he doesn't look bad in! / And everyone knows that the mood he is glad in / Is when he is fighting Crusaders like mad in / Jerusalem, Jaffa, in Mecca, Bagdad, in / Fact any old city a fight can be had in!” A near-fine copy of a delightful book, much brighter than usually seen. Single volume, measuring 9.25 x 7 inches: [4], 5-79, [1]. Original color pictorial paper boards, original unclipped color pictorial dust jacket. Color illustrations throughout text. Gift inscription and child’s bookplate to front pastedown. Light wear to jacket, with one short closed tear and one shallow chip to head of front jacket panel. (Inventory #: 1004015)