JANSSON, Tove.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Finn Family Moomintroll. First edition in English, of the third Moomin title. This, the first Moomin book published in English, is accompanied by an autograph note, signed by the author, about the Groke. The title was originally published in Swedish in 1948 as Trollkarlen's hatt [The Magician's Hat].The note is addressed to a fan who had written to Jansson to say how much they liked the Moomin books, and that the Groke was their favourite character. Jansson states "I find it greatly thrilling that the Groke is your favourite. I wonder how you reacted when I warmed her up a bit... Maybe she was better cold, even if not better off? In any case, nowadays it's not so easy to use her anymore!" The note is signed "Tove J", and is accompanied by a printed sticker of the Groke laid down to the sheet.This novel formed the basis for the popular 1990s television cartoon, and as such it contains many of the best-known Moomin adventures."The light, summery Trollkarlen's hatt and Moominsummer Madness, written early in Jansson's career, are full of comic and romantic ingredients. As the series of Moomin books becomes more serious, it seems to be moving steadily towards autumn and winter, an emptying out and a bright clarity" (National Biography of Finland).

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