NOTE: based on recent information I have come across, this page will have to be rewritten and enlarged.
On the face of it, Zebrology appears to be a lighthearted wordless story suggesting Zebras were a result of cross-breeding between a white horse and a black horse.
The full 8 panels can be seen at the bottom of this page, but in black and white.
Published by at least three different publishers:
- Chatto & Windus did at least 4 printings starting 1937; colour images
- The Courier Magazine 1938 reprinted the story
- Das Blatt der Hausfrau 1939 reprinted the story in black and white images
Chatto & Windus
Title: Zebrology
Author: H. A. Rey
Illustrator: Hans Augusto Reyersbach later known as H. A. Rey
Date of publication: 1937
ISBN: not applicable
Publisher: Chatto & Windus
Place of publication: London
Printer: W. S. Cowell, Ltd: Ipswich
Copyright: Chatto & Windus
Dimensions: 23×18 cm
Dust jacket: No
slipcase: none
Binding: red string; three hole punched
Boards: paper covered
Language: English titles, etc
Paginated: unpaginated
Printed: verso and recto
Edition: Trade only
Printed: Rey did the watercolours for this which were reproduced in colour using half-tone
Description: published in 8 panels; This story purports to explain how Zebras were the result of a romance between a white horse and a black horse – Warning – this may not be scientifically accurate.
used on all printings of the book.
Image credit: Rooke Books
Image credit: Rooke Books
2nd impression – image needed. If you have a copy of the 2nd impression, please send me an image of the back cover and I will give you a photo credit.
3rd Impression (I will be posting a clearer image shortly)
4th Impression
There are claims the 4th impression is c. 1954 but the basis needs further investigation.
Courier Magazine Ltd.
References the printer use by Chatto & Windus, W. S. Cowell, but as far as
I can ascertain there is no relationship between C&W and Courier.
Based on the adverts, Courier appears to cater to an upper middle-class and above demographic. It attempts to strike a “smart” tone with a number of satirical articles along with coverage of the arts, fashion, and current events. The issues (at least in the late 1930s) have a fair emphasis on the actions of Germany.
Images of the Courier printing of Zebrology would be gratefully appreciated (with image credit to you).
Das Blatt der Hausfrau (The Housewife’s Paper)
This was a German weekly magazine with entertainment, stories, and household management advice. At least in the late 1930s it only occasionally had cartoons. H. A. Rey is the only artist who appeared in multiple (3) editions during this time.
Title: Geburt des Zebras (Birth of the Zebra)
Author: H. A. Rey
Illustrator: H. A. Rey
Date of publication: 1939 weekly magazine 53, no. 22 (1939): p. 656; July 1st week
Publisher: Deutscher Verlag
Place of publication: Berlin
Copyright: Artist?
Language: German titles, etc
Description: below is a detail from p. 656 showing all 8 panels of the story.
A comment was made suggesting this was reprinted in another German magazine. Any information in this regard would be appreciated. ww@wordlessnovels.com