The World of the Great Forest

Paul Du Chaillu

The World of the Great Forest: How Animals, Birds, Reptiles, Insects Talk, Think, Work, and Live

New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1900

First Edition

Illustrated by C. R. Knight and J. M. Gleeson

A wonderfully illustrated turn-of-the-century natural history adventure by explorer and author Paul Du Chaillu, presented in its attractive original pictorial cloth binding.

Published by Charles Scribner’s Sons in 1900, The World of the Great Forest introduces younger readers to the animals and wildlife of the forest through a mixture of natural history, observation, storytelling, and adventure. Du Chaillu was already well known for his writings on Africa and the gorilla, as well as his popular books of exploration and travel.

One of the most appealing features of this edition is its illustration work. The book contains more than fifty illustrations by J. M. Gleeson and noted wildlife artist Charles R. Knight. Knight would become particularly celebrated for his remarkably influential depictions of animals and prehistoric life.

The original green cloth binding is especially attractive, with a large multicolor forest scene depicting an elephant, leopard, monkey, and tropical vegetation, surrounded by gilt lettering. It is an excellent example of the decorative publisher's bindings produced during the golden age of illustrated American books.