The Story Of Doctor Dolittle

Hugh Lofting was born in Maidenhead in 1886. As a child he kept a miniature zoo and wildlife museum in his mother's linen cupboard and enjoyed making up stories for his family. He later studied engineering in London and the United States, and visited Canada, Africa and the West Indies. After his marriage in 1912 he settled in the United States. Hugh Lofting fought in the trenches during World War I and it was whilst observing the lack of compassion shown to the horses on the battlefields that the idea for Doctor Dolittle was born. He was the main character in letters Hugh sent home from the front to entertain his children. The successful publication of The Story of Doctor Dolittle in 1920 was followed by a further eleven books. In 1923 Hugh Lofting was awarded the Newbery Medal. He died in 1947.

John Doolittle is a kind-hearted country physician who keeps goldfish in his pond, rabbits in the pantry, white mice in a piano, and a hedgehog in the cellar. He also has an unusual gift: he can talk to animals a talent that comes in handy, since he prefers treating animals, rather than humans, as his patients.
One day, a mysterious call summons him to Africa, where a serious epidemic has spread among the monkey population. Of course, the good doctor sets out immediately with some of his best friends Jip, the dog, and Polynesia, the parrot, among others. Along the way, they re joined by new acquaintances, including the pushmi-pullyu, a remarkable creature that has a head at both ends of its body.
"Any child who is not given the opportunity to make the acquaintance of this rotund, kindly, and enthusiastic doctor/naturalist and all of his animal friends will miss out on something important," said renowned primatologist Jane Goodall.
An entertaining classic that has charmed readers of all ages for generations, Hugh Lofting's timeless tale is accompanied by 27 of his own delightful illustrations.
Slightly abridged Dover (2004) republication of the edition published by J. B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia, 1920. 27 black-and-white illustrations. xiv+78pp. 53/16 x 81/4. Paperbound.

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Chapter - 1: Puddleby Chapter - 2: Animal-Language Chapter - 3: More Money Troubles Chapter - 4: A Message from Africa Chapter - 5: The Great Journey Chapter - 6: Polynesia and the King Chapter - 7: The Bridge of Apes Chapter - 8: The Monkeys' Council Chapter - 9: The Leader of the Lions Chapter - 10: The Rarest Animal of All Chapter - 11: The Prince Chapter - 12: Medicine & Magic Chapter - 13: Red Sails and Blue Wings Chapter - 14: The Rats' Warning Chapter - 15: The Barbary Dragon Chapter - 16: Too-Too, the Listener Chapter - 17: The Ocean Gossips Chapter - 18: Smells Chapter - 19: The Rock Chapter - 20: The Fisherman's Town Chapter - 21: Home Again