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The Story of Doctor Dolittle (Doctor Dolittle, #1)

Questions About The Story of Doctor Dolittle (Doctor Dolittle, #1)

by Hugh Lofting

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Answered Questions (5)

I have been reading some recent reviews and people are saying they were appalled by the racism and language. If that is why you gave it a negative review, can you please tell me if were you reading an older version or the "adapted for modern audiences" version?
Johnny Salamander I read the original 1920 version, as it is in the public domain and can be found free online. It uses three different racial slurs (including the n-wo…moreI read the original 1920 version, as it is in the public domain and can be found free online. It uses three different racial slurs (including the n-word) once each. There is also a point in which an African prince wishes he could be turned white, and the main characters use this desire to trick him into setting them free from prison. I've heard that new editions (1988 I guess?) have these parts changed and even go further to have all mentions of "white" or "black" removed. (less)
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What does "edited for modern audiences" actually mean?
Claire Adapted to remove racist slurs and stereotypes that are no longer appropriate in today's literature

…moreAdapted to remove racist slurs and stereotypes that are no longer appropriate in today's literature

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Tell me what are the racist issues in this "Doctor Dolittle" book?
Jill This is from a recalled perspective, having had for bedtime reading when no older than seven (around 1974)...in that year, it was still possible to wa…moreThis is from a recalled perspective, having had for bedtime reading when no older than seven (around 1974)...in that year, it was still possible to walk into a Sambo's Restaurant in the Western U.S. and no one frequenting the restaurant thought anything of the children's menu depicting, "little black Sambo."

So for The Adventures of Doctor Doolittle, I would say it is the colonialism depicted primarily. Any of the people encountered in "deepest darkest Africa" were tribal African natives. Their depiction is primitive, and there may even have been comparisons to the monkeys; essentially, opposite the British Dr. John Doolittle, wacky and doddering as he was. He was still "above" the people he found protecting the Push-mi-pull-yu. And, he doesn't leave animal friends in their habitat, they of course would prefer to be with him and live in England. Think about that message.(less)
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Is it good or bad ?
Johnny There over a thousand different reviews for this book already. Surely that suffices and you don't need someone to write one just to convince you.…moreThere over a thousand different reviews for this book already. Surely that suffices and you don't need someone to write one just to convince you.(less)
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I have seen the original film version and the stage show, but I can't say I have ever come across the book. Is it easily available?
Julia I discovered these books (there are 10 of them) at my public library when I was a child in the 70's. But a quick check on my public library site (Seat…moreI discovered these books (there are 10 of them) at my public library when I was a child in the 70's. But a quick check on my public library site (Seattle) and on Amazon, shows the titles to still be available in many formats. They are somewhat dated, and reveal the author's prejudices, but do still appeal to children and their love for animals.(less)
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