Alfred Ollivant (1874–1927)

Wikipedia states that this book, published in 1898, was a popular children’s book in both the US and UK. I feel that it is a good example of the changing styles of children’s books.

It’s a story of two farmers and their dogs. One farmer is upright and fair, loves his family and has a sheep dog named Owd Bob from a beloved line of sheep dogs. The second farmer has become twisted and bitter after the death of his wife. He abuses his son David horribly and even this second farmer’s dog Red Wull has a wicked bad temper.

David finds a measure of peace visiting the first farmer’s house. In this sanctuary, he falls in love with the daughter.

David’s father becomes more and more bitter. The dogs of the two farmers are pitted against each other in sheep dog trials over the course of several years; whichever wins the cup three years will retire it.

There is also a dog that is killing sheep grazing on the fells. This is an unpardonable dog-sin and the culprit must be destroyed. Both dogs have been seen near killed sheep.

In addition to the issues of abuse and the strong morality tale, the dialect is written in Cumbrian which is a challenge for a modern adult, much less a child. ” "But I'll mak' it up to him--mak' it up to him and muir. I'll humble masel afore him, and that'll be bitter enough. And I'll be father and mither baith to him. But there's none to help me; and it's bin siar wi'oot ye. And--but lassie I'm wearyin' for ye." p 77

I would only recommend this book if you are interested in reading a period piece.… (más)