MID-CENTURY PAPER ENGINEERING

[Animated Book Company]

Three Little Pigs In Flashing Animation [Movable Thumb-Wheel Animation]

New York: Animated Book Company, 1944. First Edition, First Printing.

THIS INNOVATIVE MID-CENTURY MOVABLE BOOK UTILIZES A SERIES OF THUMB-WHEEL ‘FLASHING’ ANIMATIONS TO BRING THE CLASSIC FOLK TALE TO LIFE.
 Illustrated by Hank Hart, the work features dynamic mechanical elements that simulate sawing, running, and the rolling eyes of the Big Bad Wolf.

Unlike standard pop-ups, these 'flashing animations' were a specialized product of the Animated Book Company during the WWII era, designed to provide a cinematic sense of movement through simple paper engineering.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Mechanicals: Features multiple thumb-wheel and tab-activated animations (sawing, running, eye movement) that remain fully functional.
+++ Visuals: Vibrant, cartoonish color illustrations by Hank Hart; 24 pages of high-action compositions.
+++ Binding: Original color-printed spiral-bound paper-covered boards.
+++ Imprint: New York: Animated Book Company, 1944. Stated First Edition.
+++ Specs: Large format; 8.75 by 11.5 inches.

CONDITION:  Very Good -- A bright and clean survival. The mechanical thumb-wheels and tabs are all intact and in full working order. The metal spiral binding has caused a minor bit of rust spotting to the inner covers, which is typical for this construction. A previous owner's name is present but discreetly covered with white-out.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE --
The Animated Book Company was a notable player in the 1940s 'toy book' boom, capitalizing on the demand for interactive children's media during the war years. Hank Hart's style—exaggerated, playful, and energetic—mirrors the animation aesthetics of the early Golden Age of American cartoons.

As noted in Walt Reed's 'The Illustrator in America', Hart’s work is characterized by bold lines and a sense of theatrical drama. This specific edition is a prime example of the 'Moveable Toy Book' genre, bridging the gap between traditional storytelling and early kinetic media.

SUBJECTS: Children's Literature, Paper Engineering, Movable Books, Animation History, Folk Tales, Ephemera, Toy Books, Mechanical Books.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE: Reed, 'The Illustrator in America, 1880-1980'.

Item #21629

Price: $195.00