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Today I finished enjoying another Bodley Head publication of the collaboration between author Anatole France and illustrator Frank C. Papé. The book was first published in 1908, which has significance for one example of the writer’s prescience. Focussed on France as Penguinia this is a satyrical history of Western Europe in general, with a pop at the United States. As usual, I will not spoil the story with details, save to say that anyone with some knowledge of world history, philosophy, politics, or religion will get the gist of this acute analysis of human nature, society, morals, and customs. The writing from M. France is as flowing as ever, and the final Book VIII chilling in its foresight.
A.W. Evans has provided an excellent translation.
Mr. Papé’s illustrations are as skilled as ever. Do not miss any detail of the exquisite, often humorous, main plates,
or this selection of the black and white tailpieces.
Late this afternoon, Jackie drove the two of us around the forest where
as usual, ponies and donkeys occupied the green at South Gorley. Although this village is now barely a hamlet, the large, now residential, building forming a backdrop for the pony scenes was once a school. The fifth picture contains a familiar view of a pony, legs in the air, scratching its back on the grass.
Around the corner, pigs at pannage snuffled up fallen acorns. One, oblivious of the approaching car, leisurely trotted across the road.
This evening we dined on Mr Pink’s fish and chips and Garner’s pickled onions. Jackie and I drank Wairau Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2017, while Elizabeth finished the Brouilly.
Sounds like my kind of book, Derrick. Loved the photos – as usual. Me, I’m off to the Olde Rupturede Ducke for a couple of pints of Owd Todger… 🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Mike
The final sentences on page 105 made me laugh out loud. I busied myself initially studying the illustrations, but then got into the prose. I can see why you appreciated this book. It seems like every page holds a little fable or analogy that pertains to human nature or society – and the humour is spot on! 😀 I’m going on a hunt!!
And I found it on Book Depository complete with illustrations – and I had a 10% discount code too 🙂
Great
So pleased, Pauline. Many thanks
I remember these illustrations from years ago, when I read it in Russian translation. The English version is excellent. Thank you, Derrick, for bringing up delightful memories.
I’m pleased to have triggered them, Dolly. Many thanks
“Pay him tribute,” said one of them who passed for a wise man. This world is full of those who ‘pass’ for wise men. We have ’em, you have ’em, the Yanks have ’em. Would that we had a few who actually were.
Quite so, Paol. Thanks very much
Love the illustrations Derrick, amazing! A great insight you gave us there. Thank you!
Very many thanks, Agnes
After seeing all those cute animals, I’m glad you had fish for dinner! The illustrations are great, too.
Nice culinary point, Luanne. Thanks very much
[Chuckle] You’re welcome.
Gosh, I guess the folks living in the village don’t need to invest in a lawn mower! Great photos! Love the houses, too!
Many thanks, Jill
The illustrations are precursors to the Graphic Novels of the present times. Those are pristine pictures of what was once a village.
Thanks very much, Uma
What wonderful illustrations!
Thanks a lot, John.
Beautiful illustrations! I love seeing them!
As for the pony….sometimes you just gotta’ get to that pesky itch and scratch it! 😉 😀
Looks like the piggies rule their corner of the world! 😀
HUGS!!! 🙂
Very many thanks, Carolyn – as usual you focus on each aspect of the post X
Those illustrations are quite wonderful and compliment the words of that prescient author.
The ponies and the village buildings with their thatched roofs look like they’re from centuries ago.
The pigs are so big, and they do seem to be taking over that area. 🙂
Thanks very much, Merril. Papé is definitely one of my favourites. Some of those buildings will be centuries old, and the ponies’ ancestors were in the forest long before them. Pigs are only allowed out until November.
You live in a beautiful, magical area, Derrick.
🙂
Ha! Frank’s a fine illustrator–each one told a story and it was funny and exquisite, as you said. The prose, prophetic. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much, Cindy
Fabulous illustrations! On another subject…too bad the village lost its school. Always so sad. To a large extent, a school is the heart of a community.
True, Laurie. I don’t think there are any children there now. Thanks very much
Even sadder.
Yes. On the other hand, Pilley, where Elizabeth is going, is thriving. The shop and post office is run by volunteers; there are many children and a school.
Oh, good!
Fascinating and freaky illustrations. I like the ponies of course. Thursday, I drove out to see my friend in the country and passed by a horse farm near her house. There’s something both calming and exciting about having horses and ponies around.
There is indeed, JoAnna. Many thanks
You do choose unusual literature!
After the example set just before you dined, did you make pigs of yourselves? 🙂
Another fun bit of wordplay, Leslie. Many thanks
Pigs on road is unbelievable especially in England 😀
Thanks very much, Rupali. Only here, I think.
very cool illustrations Derrick, very cool <3
Thanks very much, Kim
Looks an interesting book – if just for the illustrations, even!
Thanks very much, Helen
The illustrations are very detailed and well done.
Those forest pigs look like dominant personalities!
Many thanks, Lavinia. There is certainly no stopping the pigs
Has to be the most civilized country on earth
🙂 Thanks a lot, Brian
I am grateful to you for introducing Mr Frank C. Papé to me, and all those ponies bestowed with opulence of the sun.
Thanks very much, Uma