The Story of Doctor Dolittle

The Doctor Who Speaks to Animals: Newly Illustrated – A Visual and Literary Feast for the Entire Family

Doctor John Dolittle lives in the little town of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. He has never felt entirely at ease with people, but with animals it is a different matter altogether: he can even cure an ailing crocodile. Many of his patients simply stay on after their treatment, making themselves at home in his garden or house. For Doctor Dolittle possesses a remarkable gift: he can speak their languages! Eventually, his ill-tempered sister has had enough and moves out. By then, “ordinary” patients have long since stopped coming to the surgery anyway …

When a mysterious and incurable disease breaks out among the animals of Africa, Doctor Dolittle and his faithful companions resolve to help. Despite having scarcely any money, they charter a ship and set sail on a great adventure.

First published in 1920, Hugh Lofting’s beloved children’s classic appears here with masterful illustrations by the renowned animal artist Reinhard Michl, created especially for the Insel-Bücherei. A splendid rediscovery!