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. ( )

I struggled with the dialect as written, but decided the book wasn't worth it for me.

192. Bob Son of Battle, by Alfred Ollivant (read 3 May 1945) When I finished this book I said: "Finished tonight Bob, Son of Battle by Ollivant, an Englishman who died in 1927. This book moved me greatly and I think that is the test of greatness." ( )

Another book from childhood - one I read at my grandmonther's house more than once.

Another well loved dog book from my childhood. Beautifully written with rather a thick Cumbrian accent in the speech--not only accent but words unknown to me as a twentieth century North American, as opposed to the nineteenth century North Englishman who wrote it. No matter, the language is poetry none the less, evocative and alive, and is half the charm of the book. ( )