The Story of Doctor Dolittle By Hugh Lofting

The Story of Doctor Dolittle

By Hugh Lofting

Illustrated by the author

Published by J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia & New York

First published in 1920 | Copyright renewed in 1948 by Josephine Lofting

Edition shown: Fifty-second impression (likely printed in the early 1950s)

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Doctor John Dolittle is no ordinary physician. Living in the English village of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, he finds himself more interested in animals than people—a trait that leads him to learn how to speak their languages. Guided by his clever parrot Polynesia, Doctor Dolittle gains the trust of creatures great and small, and soon his home is filled with all sorts of animals.

In this first and most famous book of the beloved series, Doctor Dolittle sets sail for Africa on a daring rescue mission to save a colony of monkeys suffering from a mysterious illness. Accompanied by his loyal animal friends—including Jip the dog, Gub-Gub the pig, Dab-Dab the duck, and the unique Pushmi-Pullyu—he faces storms, pirates, and curious new lands.

With humor, warmth, and a deep respect for animals, The Story of Doctor Dolittle has enchanted generations of readers since its first publication in 1920. This edition includes the author’s original illustrations and an introduction written by Sir Hugh Walpole for the tenth printing. Lofting’s imaginative storytelling and gentle moral lessons make this a classic of children’s literature.

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Technical details:

Title: The Story of Doctor Dolittle

Author: Hugh Lofting

Illustrator: Hugh Lofting

Publisher: J. B. Lippincott Company

Publication date: First published in 1920

Copyright renewal: 1948 by Josephine Lofting

Edition: Fifty-second impression

Language: English

Format: Hardcover

Pages: Approximately 160

Genre: Children's literature, animal fantasy, adventure

Target age group: 7–12 years

Notable features: Original illustrations by the author, introduction by Sir Hugh Walpole