Happy Times in Czechoslovakia (1940)
First Edition of Happy Times in Czechoslovakia, 1940,
With a Foreword by Eleanor Roosevelt
Bartusek, Libushka. Bures, Yarka, illustrator. Happy Times in Czechoslovakia. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1940.
Octavo. Hardcover. 1st Edition.
First edition of this delightful children's book about a year in the life of a mid-century Czechoslovakian family, published after the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia and with a foreword by Eleanor Roosevelt. Part of a series of children's books lovingly detailing traditional life in countries that had fallen under Nazi occupation, Happy Times in Czechoslovakia offers insight into traditional village life in Czechoslovakia. Bartusek writes about one family's experiences over a year, focusing in particular on the religious celebrations that guide and structure their lives. The foreword by Eleanor Roosevelt expresses her hopes that children will learn about the young democracy crushed by the Nazis as well as the resilience and enduring culture of the Czechoslovakian people. This book also features beautiful illustrations by Czechoslovakian artist Yarka Bures. Book nearly fine, with only light rubbing to spine ends. Scarce dust jacket very good, with a bit of wear and toning to extremities.