Toby Tyler

Children's Books

OTIS, James

Classics

Collins

Toby Tyler was first published in 'Harper's Young People' as a serial in 1877, and then as a book in 1881. It was an immediate classic and favorite among young boys and girls who dreamed of running off with the circus. It was very popular and sold so well that a few years later Mark Twain wrote his own story of a run-away conscious-stricken orphan who joins the circus: 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' (1884). The central theme of the novel is doing what you know is right versus doing what comes naturally and following your instincts, as shown by the character Mr. Stubbs the monkey. Although written to be a "wholesome" children's novel of what happens to bad boys, most remember it for the romantic story of running off with the circus. Indeed, by the end Toby has become so successful in the circus, his reason for returning home stretches credibility (probably to the secret delight of younger readers who knew what they would have done in Toby's shoes: stayed with the circus!). The novel was influential for at least 3 generations, a young Carl Sandburg thought it his favorite novel and William S. Burroughs mentions it in his memoirs. Disney paid it homage in a 1960 movie adaption. Since then it has become increasingly obscure, but it's close similarities with Huckleberry Finn should give it a wider audience as a comparison novel. The original included 30 pen and ink drawings by W. A. Rogers (1854-1931) which are essential.

Toby Tyler: Or, Ten Weeks With a Circus

Literature & Fiction

Literary

Harpercollins

Calvert of Maryland: A Story of Lord Baltimore's Colony

History

World

Franklin Classics

Richard of Jamestown ; a Story of the Virginia Colony

Restless and unhappy, Toby runs away to the circus in search of freedom and adventure

Teen & Young Adult

Yearling

James Otis has written a delightful story of circus life for grades 4 to 7. Children will delight in this fantasy about running away with a circus. Toby Tyler runs away from home with the lemonade man to join the circus, and then works very hard to run away from the circus and go home again. In between, he makes many good friends, including the Living Skeleton and Mr. Stubbs, the monkey.

Toby Tyler (Companion Library Series)

Contemporary

Grosset&Dunlap

Restless and unhappy, Toby, an orphan, runs away to join the circus in search of freedom and adventure

Toby Tyler: Or, Ten Weeks in the Circus

Signet Classics

Classic story of a little orphan boy who runs away to join the circus, only to learn, unhappily, that his new employer is a cruel taskmaster. 30 illustrations enhance a story that will tug on the heartstrings of readers of all ages as they enter the world of an old-time traveling circus.

Toby Tyler: Or Ten Weeks With a Circus

Dover Publications

Vintage (1978) biography of the country music singer Dolly Parton.

Dolly Parton: A Photo-Bio

Biographies & Memoirs

Jove Books

Andy's Ward

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Kessinger Publishing

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Books by OTIS, James