The Memoirs Of Moominpappa

Description

"One cold and windy autumn evening many years ago a newspaper parcel was found on the doorstep of the Home for Moomin Foundlings. In that parcel I lay, quite small and shivering with cold." So begins the remarkable The Memoirs of Moominpappa, a book written to delight his dear son Moomintroll and friends. What follows is a story about storytelling itself. Moominpappa weaves one fabulous tale after another, writing at night to read aloud by day and featuring not only the fearless, adventurous author but also the fathers of Sniff and Snufkin - the rather muddled Muddler and the carefree Joxter. Add to this mix the genius inventor Hodgkins and a grand finale in which Moominpappa rescues a shipwrecked Moominmamma from the waves and the fun becomes irresistible.

The Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson (1914-2001) wrote and illustrated her first Moomin story, The Moomins and the Great Flood, in 1945 as a form of escape from the dark shadows of war. The Memoirs of Moominpappa, published in 1950, was the third novel of the world famous Moomin series the eight titles of which would be translated into over 60 languages and remain in print for over six decades. Tove Jansson lived in Helsinki and a tiny island in the Gulf of Finland which she shared with her life partner, the graphic artist, Tuulikki Pietila.

I love these editions - so beautifully produced, so solid and permanent, just as Tove Jansson deserved -- Philip Pullman Tove Jansson is one of the greatest children's writers there has ever been. -- Sir Terry Pratchett (These editions) are simply stunning, and an absolute must-read. The Moomin novels are timeless stories full of adventure and heartwarming values - perfect for Christmas. * The Bookseller *