Ruth McEnery Stuart & Albert Bigelow Paine 
Gobolinks; or, Shadow Pictures for Young and Old 

In ‘Gobolinks; or, Shadow Pictures for Young and Old, ‘ Ruth Mc Enery Stuart and Albert Bigelow Paine create a delightful fusion of poetry and visual artistry, engaging readers in the whimsical world of shadow pictures. The book is an interactive treasury, where the ancient play of hand shadows casts figurative creatures onto the pages, each accompanied by a rhyming verse. Gobolinks thrives in the intersection of literature and visual entertainment, showcasing a creativity and imagination that resonate with the Victorian era’s fascination with the fanciful and the technological advances in printing that allowed for such a work’s intricate reproduction. The literary style combines the lyrical with the ludic, encouraging both young and old to indulge in the playful interaction between text and image. Within the literary context of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it stands out as an innovative piece that invites reader participation in its storytelling. Ruth Mc Enery Stuart, a southern author, was well-versed in capturing the essence of rural life and local color narrative, elements that she skillfully weaves into ‘Gobolinks.’ Her collaboration with Albert Bigelow Paine, an author and biographer known particularly for his works on Mark Twain, brought a shared vision of childlike wonder and storytelling to life. Stuart’s storytelling prowess, combined with Paine’s background in humor and biography, developed a book embodying the charm and imaginative flair typical of the era. Their combined backgrounds provided the fertile ground from which ‘Gobolinks’ could emerge, as both authors possessed a unique talent for observing the extraordinary in the everyday. ‘Gobolinks; or, Shadow Pictures for Young and Old’ is highly recommended for those who cherish the intersections of creativity, play, and literature. It is an invitation to rediscover the magic of shadows, an ode to Victorian innovation, and a nod to the enduring value of collaborative artistry. This edition is a testament to the timeless nature of such works, offering a bridge between the past’s storytelling traditions and today’s yearning for meaningful and interactive literary experiences. It is a precious addition to any personal library, perfect for readers of all ages seeking a touch of nostalgia and a spark of inspiration.

Over de auteur

Ruth Mc Enery Stuart (1852–1917) was an American writer celebrated for her contributions to literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Stuart’s distinguished literary career is characterized by her colorful portrayal of life in the South during the post-Civil War era. Her unique storytelling often incorporated the use of local dialects, and she was revered for her keen ability to blend humor with regional authenticity, providing a nuanced window into the diverse communities of the South. One notable work, ‘Gobolinks; or, Shadow Pictures for Young and Old’ (1896), embodies her whimsical literary style, wherein she explores the realm of children’s literature and the imaginative potential of shadow pictures. The book sought to encourage creativity in both children and adults by transforming inkblot images into fantastical illustrations accompanied by verses. Stuart’s prolific career includes a multitude of short stories, novels, and poems that have greatly contributed to Southern literature and have garnered both critical acclaim and affectionate readership throughout the decades. Her works remain a testament to her literary skill and her affectionate observation of the human spirit manifest in the day-to-day lives of ordinary people.