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The Three Jovial Huntsmen facts for kids

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The Three Jovial Huntsmen
The three jovial huntsmen

The Three Jovial Huntsmen is a famous picture book from 1880. It was created by Randolph Caldecott, who drew all the pictures. The book was printed by Edmund Evans and published by George Routledge & Sons in London. This book was very popular and sold many copies, showing how much people loved it.

The story in the book is based on an old folk song called The Three Huntsmen. Sometimes, the song is also known as The Three Jolly Huntsmen. The three funny horse riders from the book are even used as the logo for a magazine called Horn Book Magazine. Later, in 1914, four pictures from the book were made into postcards by Frederick Warne & Co. The book also used a special word, "powlert," which wasn't found in big dictionaries at the time.

What is The Three Jovial Huntsmen About?

This book tells the story of three happy huntsmen. They ride their horses and look for things in the countryside. The story is often sung as a nursery rhyme. It's known for its simple, rhyming words and fun pictures. Caldecott's drawings helped make the story even more lively and memorable for readers.

Who Was Randolph Caldecott?

Randolph Caldecott was a very important artist. He was known for illustrating children's books. He lived from 1846 to 1886. Caldecott's style of drawing was unique. He made pictures that were full of movement and humor. Many of his books are still loved today. He helped create the modern picture book.

How Popular Was the Book?

The Three Jovial Huntsmen was a huge success when it came out. It sold tens of thousands of copies. This was a lot for a book back then. Its popularity showed that children and families enjoyed its story and pictures. The book became a classic. It is still remembered as one of Caldecott's best works.

Postcards from the Book

In 1914, some pictures from the book were turned into postcards. These postcards let people share the fun art with others. Here are some examples of the postcards and the lines from the book they featured:

The Three Jovial Huntsmen postcards
Card no. Card lines
A3

One said it was a boggart, an'
    another he say "Nay;
It's just a ge'man-farmer, that has
    gone an' lost his way"

A4

One said it was a bull-calf, an'
    another he said "Nay;
It's just a painted jackass, that has
    never learnt to bray."

B4

So they hunted, an' they hollo'd, till the
    setting of the sun;
An' they'd nought to bring away at last,
    when th' huntin'-day was done.

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