The Story of Little Black Sambo

6C Helen Bannerman, The Story of Little Black Sambo, Charles E. Graham & Co: New Jersey, 1927 (with original box)

Notes

The Story of Little Black Sambo is a children’s book written and illustrated by Scottish author Helen Bannerman, first published in 1899. The story follows a young boy named Sambo, who outsmarts a group of tigers that threaten to eat him by giving them his colorful clothes, shoes, and umbrella. The tigers eventually chase each other in anger, turning into ghee (clarified butter), which Sambo’s family uses to cook pancakes.

The book was initially well-received for its charming and adventurous tale, but it later became controversial due to its racial stereotypes and perceived caricature of Indian and African cultures. Bannerman wrote the story while living in India, and her characters’ names and depictions were inspired by the region, though they were filtered through a Western lens that was reflective of colonial attitudes of the time.

Description

Hard back colorful boards with canvas spine. Minor bumping to the corners. Mix of black and white and colorful illustrations throughout. Near pristine condition. Original box has some fading to the color overall and rubbing down to the white on the edges and is in very good condition.