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The Voyages of Dr. Dolittle (Red Fox Older Fiction) Review

Some brief words about the Kindle edition (the {BestCustomerReview}.00 one taken from an etext in the public domain).

First off, no illustrations. My five year old does not seem to mind even though we started this book on a library edition with great color plates (that we had to return because of a hold!) Unlike some other classics, though, the illustrations were never the main event with the Hugh Lofting books.

Secondly, in terms of the objectionable language, with respect to racist terms we try to avoid using with our kids in the 21st century. The "N" words have been excised from this one, but the contexts are still racist, with a lot of referrals to Dolittle as White in contrast to somebody else's implicitly inferior otherness. It's quaint and difficult to read without context, so I find myself reading ahead as we read aloud to make on-the-fly changes to keep the really odd stuff out. While I feel for the people who decry censorship of classics, this is a kid's book, and without the context of reading, say, Tom Sawyer, or even Rudyard Kipling, there's no way younger readers aren't going to get a little taste of vinegar if they read an unexpurgated version. The Kindle edition is perfectly adequate on this front, if not optimal.

Finally, typos: there's about one every sixth or seventh page, more or less. I don't know whether this was the original etext, original edition, or the kindle-ized version, but they're moderately annoying. However, I am not complaining based on what I paid for this version!

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Customer Reviews

Sailing with the Doctor - Gary Powell - Hawaii
Among the titles following The Story of Doctor Dolittle, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, is one of the the most exciting. This one is about his travels with the interesting animals who are his friends and companions. Hugh Lofting has managed to capture the human characteristics we sometimes see in animals and turn them into memorable figures. Dr. Dolittle's mode of travel is intriguing; the places he visits are fun and funny and exciting.

Continue to read this series. The many attempts at cinematic shortcuts to the stories fall short when compared with the real work. The charm of his adventures can be captured in no other way than a good read.



Wonderful, imaginative book - CJA - Frisco, Texas
I loved the Dr. Dolitle series as a child and am glad to see some of it is still available. This edition isn't edited and reflects the time period, ie could be read as sexist and racist. But if you don't mind some frank discussion about cultural norms with your child, it's a great and enjoyable read.



My Friend the Doctor - J. Smales - Rome, New York
An interesting read--and very much of its own time. This is the source and root of the musical you loved as a child. Be forewarned that the racist views of Colonial England are well in tact, so read ahead before putting your little ones to bed with this otherwise charming book.




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 29, 2010 15:17:05