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Palmer Cox-Brownie
A Palmer Cox Brownie from Brownies Around the World (1894)

The Brownies are a famous series of stories and drawings. They were created by a Canadian artist named Palmer Cox. He based these characters on old English myths and Scottish tales. His grandmother used to tell him these stories. The Brownies appeared in magazines and books. This happened in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These characters became very popular. They were one of the first big "brands" to be used on many different products.

Meet the Brownie Characters

Brownies are small, magical creatures. They are a bit like fairies or goblins. In the stories, they appear at night. They sometimes cause a little mischief. But they also do helpful tasks. Palmer Cox based his Brownies on old Scottish folktales.

Palmer Cox, Brownies at Home - Twelve Vignettes, c. 1893, NGA 56973
Palmer Cox, Brownies at Home - Twelve Vignettes, c. 1893, NGA 56973

Brownies on Products

The Brownies became very famous. Their stories were even turned into stage plays. Because they were so popular, their images appeared on many different items. This is called "merchandising." You could find Brownies on games, building blocks, and cards. They were also on dolls, calendars, and advertisements. Their pictures were on mugs, plates, and flags. There was even Brownie soda pop!

One famous company, Kodak, used the Brownie name. They called their popular camera the "Brownie Camera." However, Palmer Cox reportedly did not get paid for this use of his characters.

Main Books About the Brownies

Here are some of the main books by Palmer Cox:

  • Cox, Palmer. The Brownies, Their Book. New York: The Century Co., 1887.
  • Cox, Palmer. Another Brownie Book. New York: The Century Co., 1890.
  • Cox, Palmer. The Brownies at Home. New York-London: D. Appleton-Century Company Incorporated, [1893] 1936.
  • Cox, Palmer. The Brownies Around the World. New York-London: D. Appleton-Century Company Incorporated, [1894] 1937.
  • Cox, Palmer. The Brownies Through the Union. New York: The Century Co., 1895.
  • Cox, Palmer. The Brownies Abroad. New York: The Century Co., 1899.
  • Judd, Mary C. The Palmer Cox Brownie Primer. Pictures by Palmer Cox. New York: The Century Co., [1906] 1921.
  • Cox, Palmer. The Brownies Many More Nights. New York: The Century Co., 1913.
  • Cox, Palmer. The Brownies and Prince Florimel. New York: The Century Co., 1918.

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