The General

by Color Illustrations (Illustrator)

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Gail Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although written and illustrated 50 years ago THE GENERAL is as pertinent to our world today as it was when first published at the height of the Cold War.

With brilliant illustrations done in watercolor and gouache by Michael Foreman it is the story of General Jodphur who toppled off his horse and once on the ground discovered things he had never noticed before. He was unhurt and found "The grass was so soft and smelled so sweet that, to his surprise, ...he did not want to move."

But he finally began walking back to his camp and along the way he saw things that he had missed because he was always going so fast - he saw squirrels, rabbits, and heard birds singing. That night he dreamed about all the wonderful things he had seen and also saw thousands of soldiers marching, terrifying the birds and animals and trampling the flowers.

When he awoke he determined that he would never harm or frighten anything again, but would try to help the animals and see to all things that grow. To that end he told the soldiers to go home, back to their jobs and make their country beautiful.

An unbelievable story? As the cover notes it is "A celebration of peace and beauty." THE GENERAL is a timely, hopeful book for all.

Highly recommended.

- Gail Cooke