The Story of Doctor Dolittle (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A Talking-Animal Adventure of Puddleby, Parrot Lessons, Sea Voyages, and Whimsical Veterinary CareBy Hugh Lofting
Length3h 45m
About this audiobook
The Story of Doctor Dolittle introduces the eccentric physician of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh who abandons human patients after learning the languages of animals and devotes himself to their care. Written in a brisk, episodic style shaped by the traditions of Edwardian children's adventure and animal fable, the book blends comic invention, moral simplicity, and colonial-era travel fantasy. Its charm lies in its imaginative premise and conversational narration, though modern readers may also note the period assumptions embedded in parts of its setting and characterization. Hugh Lofting, an English-born civil engineer and author, first imagined Doctor Dolittle in illustrated letters sent to his children while serving in the First World War. Seeking an alternative to the violence around him, Lofting created a humane, pacific hero whose sympathy extends beyond national and even human boundaries. His technical training, global travels, and wartime disillusionment all inform the book's mixture of practical detail, whimsical geography, and ethical tenderness toward vulnerable creatures. This book is recommended for readers interested in the foundations of twentieth-century children's literature, especially works that combine fantasy, adventure, and moral imagination. It remains valuable as both a delightful narrative and a historical text inviting thoughtful reading.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreChildren's Literature
Length3 hrs 45 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateApr 23, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Introduction to the Tenth Printing
Show all chaptersShow less
6The First Chapter Puddleby
7The Second Chapter Animal Language
8The Third Chapter More Money Troubles
9The Fourth Chapter A Message From Africa
10The Fifth Chapter The Great Journey
11The Sixth Chapter Polynesia and the King
12The Seventh Chapter The Bridge of Apes
13The Eighth Chapter The Leader of the Lions
14The Ninth Chapter The Monkeys' Council
15The Tenth Chapter The Rarest Animal of All
16The Eleventh Chapter The Black Prince
17The Twelfth Chapter Medicine and Magic
18The Thirteenth Chapter Red Sails and Blue Wings
19The Fourteenth Chapter The Rats' Warning
20The Fifteenth Chapter The Barbary Dragon
21The Sixteenth Chapter Too-too, the Listener
22The Seventeenth Chapter The Ocean Gossips
23The Eighteenth Chapter Smells
24The Nineteenth Chapter The Rock
25The Twentieth Chapter The Fisherman's Town
26The Last Chapter Home Again
27Analysis
28Reflection
29Memorable Quotes
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