I have read and seen versions of The Story of Doctor DoLittle, but never before the original by Hugh Lofting published in 1920. The original is extremely and blatantly racist, with a story about an African prince who will do anything if the doctor can only make him white. My understanding is that later editions (I am not sure how much later) have thankfully completely written out that subplot and altered other text and illustrations to remove racial elements and render this story into its current view as an innocent children's story. For me, I don't think I can unsee the image of Prince Bumpo, his quest to be acceptable to his Sleeping Beauty princess, and of Dr. Dolittle's cruel use of of Prince Bumpo.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2020/02/the-story-of-doctor-dolittle.html
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2020/02/the-story-of-doctor-dolittle.html
