Wister, Owen: The Dragon of Wantley, v1 28 Aug 2008
 

The Dragon of Wantley, was written by Owen Wister (best known as the author of The Virginian) in 1892. Published by Lipincott Press, the story is a comic "burlesque" (in the author's words), concerning the "true" story of the Dragon. It is a romantic story set at Christmastime in the early 13th century. The book was a surprise success, going through four editions over the next ten years.

From the PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION:


We two—the author and his illustrator—did not know what we had done until the newspapers told us. But the press has explained it in the following poised and consistent criticism:

“Too many suggestions of profanity.”
—Congregationalist, Boston, 8 Dec. ’92.

“It ought to be the delight of the nursery.”
—National Tribune, Washington, 22 Dec. ’92.

“Grotesque and horrible.”
—Zion’s Herald, Boston, 21 Dec. ’92.

“Some excellent moral lessons.”
—Citizen, Brooklyn, 27 Nov. ’92.

“If it has any lesson to teach, we have been unable to find it.”
—Independent, New York, 10 Nov. ’92.

“The story is a familiar one.”
—Detroit Free Press, 28 Nov. ’92.

“Refreshingly novel.”
—Cincinnati Commercial Gazette, 17 Dec. ’92.

“It is a burlesque.”
—Atlantic Monthly, Dec. ’92.

“All those who love lessons drawn from life will enjoy this book.”
—Christian Advocate, Cincinnati, 2 Nov. ’92.

“The style of this production is difficult to define.”
—Court Journal, London, 26 Nov. ’92.

“One wonders why writer and artist should put so much labor on a production which seems to have so little reason for existence.”
—Herald and Presbyterian, Cincinnati.

Now the public knows exactly what sort of book this is, and we cannot be held responsible.

I cannot imagine a more compelling advert. I'm in. Thanks yet again, MB.