Dean's Rag Books and Rag Dolls

Publishers had spent years searching for a way to make books indestructible in the hands of young children and in 1902 Henry Samuel Dean came up with the answer and "Dean's Rag Books" became winners overnight. Made from highly durable cotton, these child primers were colourfast, washable and virtually untearable and were received with rapturous praise by the parents and press alike. In this volume we chronicle the fascinating range of rag books published before World War II, covering popular topics such as A.B.Cs, object books and books on animals and transport, illustrated by some of the best-loved artists of the day. We also examine the myriad of toys and dolls produced by this innovative publishing house that include Dismal Desmond, Flip the Frog and the famous Mickey Mouse. And we take a close look at the artists and personalities that made the Dean's Rag Book Company such a roaring success!