1917 First Edition in Rare Dust Jacket - Hansel and Grethel by John B. Gruelle
Author: Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm. Illustrated by John B. Gruelle.
Title: All About Hansel and Grethel.
Publisher: New York, Cupples & Leon Company, circa 1917. First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 5.5 x 4 inches.
Pages: 48 pages.
Binding: Attractive and near fine original publisher’s brown pictorial paper-covered boards with green lettering and central colour onlay (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) in the very good scarce original pictorial dustjacket (chipped at head and tail of spine with small losses and short tears, yet remarkably well preserved for this fragile format) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good, near fine content (bright, tight and clean - as shown).
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout with charming black and white drawings and several delightful colour plates by John B. Gruelle, all present and vivid.
Estimate: (USD 200–250).
The book: This first Gruelle edition of All About Hansel and Grethel offers a concise and engaging retelling of the classic Grimm fairy tale, adapted for young readers in the popular “All About” series. The story follows the impoverished siblings abandoned in the forest, their encounter with the witch’s candy house, and their ultimate triumph and return home laden with jewels. Gruelle’s lively and expressive illustrations infuse the tale with warmth and gentle humor, softening the darker elements while preserving the moral arc of resilience and cleverness.
The authors: Jacob (1785–1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786–1859) were German scholars and folklorists whose collected fairy tales became foundational texts of Western children’s literature. Their adaptations of traditional oral tales, including Hansel and Gretel, helped preserve European folk heritage while shaping the modern canon of childhood storytelling.
The illustrator: John B. Gruelle (1880–1938) was an American illustrator and writer best known as the creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy. His work is characterized by fluid line, expressive characters, and a distinctive blend of whimsy and narrative clarity, making his illustrated children’s books highly sought after, particularly in their earliest editions and when retained in their original dustjackets.