Caption: The Courtship of Snapperty
Surely I cannot be the only person who grew up in the 1950s who remembers the charming children's book, "Snapperty the Spider"? It was first published in 1956 by Lawson & Dunn, and was written by John de Quincey, an author of whom I know nothing other than that he penned this delightful tale. Here, we see Snapperty, the garden spider, whose mother taught him to make (or 'knit') a web, despite the tradition that dictates webs are the province of females ("Two purl, one plain, Three purl, one plain..." we hear him saying to himself), falling in love with a beautiful lady spider whom he will later marry. A nasty shock, however, awaits him on his honeymoon......erm, well he is a male spider after all!
Still, this is a childrens' book, and I'm pleased to report that, despite the arachnid odds, a happy ending awaits....
My favourite book! Especially as it used to make my mother green with all the "blood and gore" in the battle scenes.
ReplyDeleteWish I still had it.
I still have it - the illustrator was my great uncle, I have loved it all my life!
DeleteCan you tell me some more about him, please?
DeleteAny suggestions as to where I might be able to buy a copy? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy granddad wrote this book, I didn't know it got much further than the family! I'm glad that you all had the chance to enjoy it! :)
ReplyDeleteYour granddad was a genius. The book is a gem, and was/is one of my firm favourites. I still have it, and read it occasionally. Snapperty and Gnat and Co., are immortal. Thanks so much for posting this.
DeleteI've been searching for a copy for years. I can't find one anywhere 😫
DeleteI was given this book in the early 50s in Pinner mdx
DeleteAnd still have it. When my wife refers to her childhood davorites she cites Maya the Bee and I counter with Snapperty the Spider. I still have my copy.
Michael Pringle
I grew up with Snapperty. My copy is still within easy reach, and I loved every page of this unacknowledged classic. Were you terrified of the Enchanter ? I was. Thanks for posting your tribute.
ReplyDeleteLove this bookz, still have it travelled with me through 17 house moves! Wonderful illustrations too.
ReplyDeleteThis book should be reprinted - it is such a tremendous story.
ReplyDelete