Little Black Sambo Collection
The Story of Little Black Sambo was written and illustrated by Helen Bannerman, a Scotswoman living in colonial India. With its racially charged title and stereotypical depiction of Sambo and his family, the work has been controversial since it first appeared in 1899. Over the course of its history, discussion of the work has stimulated a more enlightened development and re-evaluation of children's books featuring non-white protagonists.
The collection of nearly 300 items document this text, its publishing and illustration history, its popularity, and its treatment in the mass market. The cultural impact of the book can be seen through the numerous editions of the text and the vast amount of materials depicting Sambo and his story. By looking at the various ways that Sambo was portrayed, researchers can learn about societal values and track their changes through time.
Additional Materials
Additional materials in the Little Black Sambo are cataloged with records available through our online catalog. To browse the collection click here.
Dates
- Creation: 1920 - 1990
Conditions Governing Use
Users of the collection must read and agree to abide by the rules and procedures set forth in the Materials Use Policies.
Providing access to materials does not constitute permission to publish or otherwise authorize use. All publication not covered by fair use or other exceptions is restricted to those who have permission of the copyright holder, which may or may not be Washington University. If you wish to publish or license Special Collections materials, please contact Special Collections to inquire about copyright status at (314) 935-5495 or spec@wumail.wustl.edu. (Publish means quotation in whole or in part in seminar or term papers, theses or dissertations, journal articles, monographs, books, digital forms, photographs, images, dramatic presentations, transcriptions, or any other form prepared for a limited or general public.)
Extent
42 boxes
Biographical Note
Helen Bannerman (1862-1946) occupies a strange place in teh history of English langauge and children's literature. Although she wrote and illustrated ten children's books, nine published in her lifetime, she was not particualarly successful either critically or commercially with any of them except one. The one book she wrote that was a big success, her first, was also a source of discomfort, even hostility, as it has always been the centerpiece of controversy. That book was The Story of Little Black Sambo.
Note written by Gerald Early.
Method of Acquisition
In September 2004, Constance and Monroe Levy made a gift to the University to be used by the Department of Special Collections to purchase children's books and, in particular, to support the teaching of Dr. Gerald Early, the Merle Kling Professor of Modern Letters and director of the Center for the Humanities. When Dr. Early expressed a desire to acquire multiple editions of a single influential children's book used in his courses – for example, The Story of Little Black Sambo – Special Collections purchased a wide-ranging collection of nearly 300 primary sources (books and realia) that document this text, its publishing and illustration history, and its treatment in the mass market.
- Title
- Little Black Sambo Collection
- Author
- Andrea Degener
- Date
- 2023-02-28
- Description rules
- dacs
- Language of description
- English
Revision Statements
- 2023-02-28: The collection was re-housed and described in February 2023 by Andrea Degener.
Collecting Area Details
Part of the Rare Books Collecting Area
Cassie Brand, Curator of Rare Books
MSC 1061-141-B
1 Brookings Drive
St. Louis MO 63130 US
(314) 935-5495
spec@wumail.wustl.edu