Struwwelpeter

First published in 1845, Struwwelpeter (variously translated as “slovenly” or “shock-headed” Peter) has become widely recognized as one of the most popular and influential children’s books ever written.

The book relates in verse and pictures the often gruesome consequences that befall children who torment animals, play with maches, suck their thumbs, refuse to eat, fidget at meals, and so on. It has gone through hundreds of editions and been published in almost every European language.

This volume reprints twenty-five color plates from a German edition (including a bonus plate done for the 100th edition in 1876) with the reset text of a standard English translation. Also included is the full German text of each poem and an afterword with a brief biography of the author and a note on how the book came to be written.