• Front cover of Vintage children's classic paperback book Stig of the Dump by Clive King showing Stig and his friend Barney in the rubbish dump.
  • Back cover of Vintage children's classic paperback book Stig of the Dump by Clive King showing children running and a bird above them.
  • First page of Vintage children's classic paperback book Stig of the Dump by Clive King showing the ground giving way.
  • Page of Vintage children's classic paperback book Stig of the Dump by Clive King showing Stig and his friend Barney in the rubbish dump making a chimney.
  • Front cover of Vintage children's classic paperback book Stig of the Dump by Clive King showing Stig and his friend Barney in the rubbish dump against a light background.
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Kittys Tales

Stig of the Dump by Clive King Vintage Children's book Puffin Paperback Early Edition 1965

Stig of the Dump by Clive King Vintage Children's book Puffin Paperback Early Edition 1965

$57.00 USD
$57.00 USD
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Stig of the Dump by Clive King Illustrated by Edward Ardizzione Classic Vintage Children's Book 1965

Scarce early vintage 1960's Puffin Paperback, Stig of the Dump by Clive King.

First Published in 1963 this is a scarce early edition (effectively the 4th printing of the First Edition) with the appealing original cover art by Edward Ardizzone, this book was published in the same year, 1965, as the First Edition hardback version of this story.

Stig of the Dump is hailed as one of the classic children's books of the twentieth century.

The book tells the story of Barney, a lonely young boy who discovers a Stone Age caveman named Stig, living in a local rubbish dump. The book explores themes of friendship, loneliness, otherness and living on the borderlines of society, in a humorous and charming way.

With the innocent acceptance found only in children, Barney sees no reason why he cannot become friends with this strange character and they bond, despite little communication but a few grunts and rummages in the rubbish tip. Together, they embark on exciting adventures showing the sublime power of trust and friendship to overcome loneliness.

Illustrated by Edward Ardizzone, the novel has captivated generations of children. Stig of the Dump has been adapted for television twice, once in 1981 and again in 2002, bringing the story to a wider audience.

The book celebrates the joy of outdoor exploration and the freedom of imagination. Stig, the enigmatic caveman character, serves as a symbol of the untamed and wild spirit that lies within us all.

Stig of the Dump is suitable for children around the age of 7 to 10 years, but its timeless appeal continues to resonate with readers of all ages. It is praised for its engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and the way it encourages children to explore their own imagination and the natural world around them.

Definitely a book to add to your child's reading list or simply a delightful bedtime story where perhaps you can share this very book you loved as a child with your own children.

Some signs of wear but holding together firm despite being a paperback over 60 years old. Old ink blot on the rear cover that seems to blend perfectly with the graphics. (probably from being in someone's school bag all those years ago and their ink pen leaked!)

Edward Ardizzone's timeless and classic illustrations add to the wonderful nostalgic charm of this scarce early vintage copy of Stig of the Dump definitely one for the collection. Original Price 3'6 (Three shillings and Sixpence) quite a lot of pocket money!

NB: Photos show actual book for sale we do not use stock images

  • USED BOOK: Vintage & Sustainable

Kittys Reader Notes & Book Snippet

"Barney is a solitary eight-year old, given to wandering off by himself. One day he is lying on the edge of a disused chalk-pit when he tumbles over, lands in a sort of cave, and meets 'somebody with a lot of shaggy hair and two bright black eyes' - wearing a rabbit-skin and speaking in grunts.

He names him Stig, they learn to understand one another, and together they raid the rubbish dump at the bottom of the pit, improve Stig's cave dewelling, and enjoy a series of adventures that are sometimes wildly improbable and sometimes extremely practical: one day they discover how to make a chimney out of a batch of old tin cans, another they rescue the family silver from burglars, and on another they capture an escaped Leopard.

It is this combination of fact and fancy; Barneys unquestioning acceptance of the fact that his chalk-pit is inhabited by a cave man; and Stig's lack of inquisitiveness about Barney's everyday life which make this such a very endearing book.

In an ideal world every solitary child should be able to find himself a Stig, but if they aren't so fortunate then sharing Barney's luck is the next best thing.

Stig of the Dump is published for the first time in this Puffin Edition."

BOOK HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Paperback
  • Illustrated
  • Collectable
  • Vintage Children's Book

BOOK ERA:

  • 1960's Vintage Children's Books

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Author Bio & Publication

Find more of our vintage Children's Fantasy and Fairytale books here.

Clive King is the author of Stig of the Dump.

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd.
Date: 1965
Edition: First Edition 4th Print.
Binding: Paperback
Dust Jacket: N/A

ILLUSTRATED by Edward Ardizzone

Condition Notes: GOOD

GOOD:

We carefully tailor all our condition notes to the actual book you see in the photographs so please read below:

This is fresh from the attic in good vintage condition.

A charming book with a not unexpected air of being well loved considering its age for a paperback over half a century now still holding together well. A very nice book just not pristine.

Pages tanned. Few age speckles to intro page but rest of pages just typically tanned and fresh and clean overall.

Pictorial card wraps still fairly firm but scuffed to extremities and a few minor marks and creases as per photos.

Ink blot seeped through back cover see photos.

Spine Intact and good with titles visible and just a small 1cm split/fray to one edge at the bottom not damaging the overall integrity of the book.

Name written carefully on title page 'B. Evans'.

Lovely Vintage First Edition 4th Print of this classic Puffin Paperback.

Please remember this vintage book has been loved before and is not new condition is graded taking this into consideration.

*Vibrancy of item's photographed colours may vary due to your device screen or brightness settings.

SIZE: 18 cms x 11cms
FORMAT: Paperback
PAGES: 157 pp + 1p about the author.

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