Description

Julian Messner, Inc., A Diana Thorne Dog Book. New York, 1944. Board book, [20] pp (unpaginated). No other printings listed. Pictures by Diana Thorne In acceptable to poor condition. Illustrated Paper over Boards. Boards are split and separated along spine and taped (poorly and long ago) back together with masking tape. Interior pages are still attached in original string binding and laid in. Moderate to heavy scuffing, aging and soiling to covers as well. Previous owner's (child) name and return information in ink and pencil on front paste down and front free end paper. Edges of papers have nicks, chips and tears but Thorne's beautiful illustrations are still vivid and bright. Overall this book is in pretty shabby condition, but due to its scarcity and Thorne's charming illustrations, this obviously well loved and well worn book is still collectible. Diana Thorne (1894/95- 1963)A noted dog painter, illustrator and author, she claimed to have been born in Winnipeg, Canada though a biography suggests that she was born Ann Woursell on October 7, 1895, in Odessa, Russia and immigrated to Canada with her parents and siblings. Having studied in Germany as well as England, she became noted in this country in the 1920s, beginning commercial artwork in New York City in 1929. She illustrated and sometimes authored around fifty children's books about dogs and animal life. A sportswoman and dog owner herself, she received much acclaim for her dog etchings in which she captures motions and actions of the animals.