Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a vintage American softcover edition of the infamous 19th-century cautionary children's book 'Slovenly Peter', published under the Mary Perkins imprint. Originating in 1845 Germany as 'Struwwelpeter', these macabre morality tales were designed to frighten Victorian-era children into good behavior.
Story
In 1845, a German doctor couldn't find a good book for his son, so he wrote shocking tales of kids who met terrible fates for misbehaving. The stories became a global phenomenon, teaching manners through outrageous dark humor.
Maker / Origin
The original stories were created by Dr. Heinrich Hoffmann, a Frankfurt physician who wrote and illustrated the book when he was dissatisfied with the overly pious children's literature of his day. His creation, 'Struwwelpeter', proved so wildly popular that it was translated across the globe, including famous English adaptations by Mark Twain.
Condition & Value
The softcover wrapper exhibits visible edge wear, slight fraying along the spine, and minor creasing around the corners, which is typical for paper-bound children's books of this era. Minor wear slightly softens the collectible value, but the cover remains bright and legible.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.