H. A. Rey’s wordless narrative, Zebrology, is deceptive. It is sophisticated adult reading in the guise of a children’s fable. It’s a satirical jab at the Nazi Race Laws of the 1930s. For a discussion of this see H. A. Rey – Satirist or Subversive?
This 8 panel wordless novel 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.
The full 8 panels can be seen at the bottom of this page but in black and white from the later German publication, not in their original colour.
It was published by at least three different publishers:
- Chatto & Windus did at least 4 printings starting in 1937; with colour images
- The Courier Magazine printed the story in 1938 and then reprinted it in 1948 as part of a 10th Anniversary edition.
- Das Blatt der Hausfrau printed the story in 1940 but used black and white images and a German title.
Chatto & Windus
Title: Zebrology
Author: H. A. Rey
Illustrator: Hans Augusto Reyersbach aka 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: thin card
Language: English titles, etc
Paginated: unpaginated
Printed: verso and recto
Edition: Trade only
Printed: Rey’s watercolours were reproduced in colour using a half-tone process
Description: published in 8 panels;
used on all printings of the booklet by C&W.
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 used 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 have catered 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 an emphasis on the actions of Germany.
Courier 1938
Images of the 1938 Courier printing of Zebrology would be gratefully appreciated (with image credit to you).
Courier January 1948 – Tenth Anniversary edition
covers printed during the ten years.
Das Blatt der Hausfrau 1940 (The Housewife’s Paper)
This was a German twice monthly 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: 1940 no. 22: p. 656; July
Publisher: Deutscher Verlag
Place of publication: Berlin
Copyright: Chatto & Windus
Language: German titles, etc
Paper: Nazis were expanding (but not at war yet) and supplies may have been scarce. This publication was on newsprint and the images were reproduced in black and white half-tone.
Description: below is a detail from p. 656 showing all 8 panels of the story.
A comment was made suggesting this was also reprinted in another German magazine. Any information in this regard would be appreciated. wn@wordlessnovels.com