Dinah Craik 
The Little Lame Prince and His Travelling-Cloak 

This children’s fairy tale deals with a baby prince who had a magic cloak. On the day of his Christening, a very strange old woman appeared and gave him a new name, Dolor. She said it would always remind him of his mother Dolores. The book was written in 1875 but has been loved by generations of children ever since.

About the author

Dinah Maria Craik, born Dinah Maria Mulock, was an accomplished English novelist and poet best known for her novel ‘John Halifax, Gentleman’ (1856). Born on April 20, 1826, in Staffordshire, her literary career began in the early 1840s. A prolific writer, she penned numerous novels, short stories, essays, and poems. Craik’s work often reflected her keen interest in the themes of domestic life, women’s rights, and social reform, entwined with a charming narrative style that endeared her to readers. Another significant work among her extensive bibliography is ‘The Little Lame Prince and His Travelling-Cloak’ (1875), a fairy tale that has captivated young audiences with its warmth and compassion towards the differently-abled. Her writing style is infused with emotional intelligence and a profound understanding of human nature, making her characters rich and relatable across time. Craik passed away on October 12, 1887, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to be appreciated for its heartfelt exploration of Victorian society and its values. Her works endure as testaments to her narrative skill and her commitment to exploring the depths of human sentiment.