The Original Bambi: The Story of a Life in the Forest

The Original Bambi is a new, illustrated translation of Felix Saltens novel Bambi that presents the story as it was meant to be told. It provides a fresh perspective on the moving allegorical tale and reveals important details about its creator. The book is accompanied by captivating drawings by award-winning artist Alenka Sottler.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

A New Illustrated Translation of Felix Saltens Celebrated Novel Bambi

Most of us believe we know the story of Bambi, but do we? The Original Bambi is an all-new, illustrated translation of a literary classic that presents the story as it was meant to be told. For decades, readers' images of Bambi have been shaped by the 1942 Walt Disney film, an idealized look at a fawn who represents nature's innocence. This masterful new translation gives contemporary readers a fresh perspective on this moving allegorical tale and provides important details about its creator.

Originally published in 1923, Saltens' story is more somber than the adaptations that followed it. Life in the forest is dangerous and precarious, and Bambi learns important lessons about survival as he grows to become a strong, heroic stag. Jack Zipes' introduction traces the history of the book's reception and explores the tensions that Salten experienced in his own life—as a hunter who also loved animals and as an Austrian Jew who sought acceptance in Viennese society even as he faced persecution.

With captivating drawings by award-winning artist Alenka Sottler, The Original Bambi captures the emotional impact and rich meanings of a celebrated story.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691197746