Freddy the Pig
Encyclopedia
Freddy the Pig is the central figure in a series of 26 books written between 1927 and 1958 by American author Walter R. Brooks
, and illustrated by Kurt Wiese
. Consisting of 25 novels and one poetry collection, they focus on the adventures of a group of animals living on a farm in rural upstate New York.
Freddy is introduced as "the smallest and cleverest" of the pigs on the Bean farm. He becomes the central character shortly into the series. Freddy's interests drive the books as he becomes a detective, politician, newspaper editor, magician, pilot, and other vocations or avocations. A recurring villain is the slimy but dignified Simon, who leads a gang of criminal rats. Human characters include Mr. and Mrs. Bean, who own the farm, and the population of local Centerboro, and human villains.
Brooks created his animals for To and Again (1927) (later retitled Freddy Goes to Florida). It took some time before their personalities — and their ability to talk to humans when they chose — were fully developed.
In the remainder of the series, the animals of the Bean Farm lead a highly developed life, variously operating a bank, a newspaper, the First Animal Republic, and Freddy's detective business, which follows the principles of Sherlock Holmes
as Freddy knows them from his reading.
Much of the humor in the books derives from the self-referential way in which the author acknowledges the unreality of talking animals, unlike other children's works in which they are accepted as normal. The Bean Farm animals have attained national fame for their ability to talk and read, and the humans they encounter are taken aback at first (though only momentarily) to find themselves conversing with animals. Although the animals and humans do not age, the stories reflect the social conditions at the time of writing, for example, the books published during World War II
have scrap drives
and victory garden
s.
Despite their popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, the books went out of print in the 1960s, although children's libraries continued to have them. In the past decade they have been republished by Overlook Press, in response to plaintive requests from Freddy fans who treasure their combination of ingenious plots, well-drawn characters, literary allusions, and wholesome (but not cloying) moral lessons. Adam Hochschild
, writing in The New York Times Book Review, describes the series as "the moral center of my childhood universe." Hochschild also observes that — when available — sales of the books have increased since when they were first written. Roger Sale
, in his history of children's literature sums it up: "If L. Frank Baum
has a successor, it is Brooks." Nicholas Kristof called them "funny, beautifully written gems."
The audio and film rights to the series have been sold . Audio versions of some books were made and as of 2009, others are apparently in preparation.
). This would put Centerboro somewhere east of Syracuse, close to where Brooks lived as a boy. However in Freddy and Mr. Camphor
the nearby fictional lake Otesaraga is described as "thirty miles around, and only a mile across", this corresponds closely (and only) to Skaneateles Lake, some ten miles southwest of Syracuse. Regardless, the evidence supplied by Brooks points to the Bean farm being loosely within 30 miles southwest or generally east of Syracuse.
Born in Rome, New York, Brooks attended college at the University of Rochester and subsequently studied homeopathic medicine in New York City. He dropped out after two years however, and returned to Rochester where he married his first wife, Anne Shepard, in 1909. Brooks found employment with an advertising agency in Utica, then "retired" in 1911, evidently because he came into a considerable inheritance. His retirement was not permanent: in 1917, he went to work for the American Red Cross and later did editorial work for several magazines, including The New Yorker. In 1940, Brooks turned to his own writing for his full time occupation. Walter married his second wife, Dorothy Collins, following the death of Anne in 1952.
The first works Brooks published were poems and short stories. His short story "Ed Takes the Pledge" about a talking horse was the basis for the 1960s television comedy series Mister Ed (credit for creating the characters is given in each episode to "Walter Brooks"). His most enduring works are about Freddy the Pig and his friends.
, who became an award-winning illustrator and author (although not for the Freddy series). The first book was illustrated by Adolfo Best Maugard
, but redone by Wiese for when the book was re-released. After the first books, the pattern of illustration was established: a half-page black and white drawing at the beginning of each chapter, and a full page black and white drawing within each chapter. The covers are line drawings colored with watercolor, each emphasizing a dominant color. The endpapers are two tone, loosely matching the cover's color theme. For example, the yellow background and blue endpapers drawing of Freddy Rides Again
match the non-natural yellow and blue colors of the cover (Freddy, a horse and a goat are yellow). All told, Wiese drew over 900 illustrations for the series.
Walter R. Brooks
Walter Rollin Brooks was an American writer best remembered for his short stories and children's books, particularly those about Freddy the Pig and other anthropomorphic animal inhabitants of the "Bean farm" in upstate New York.Born in Rome, New York, Brooks attended college at the University of...
, and illustrated by Kurt Wiese
Kurt Wiese
Kurt Wiese was an award-winning German-born book illustrator. Wiese wrote and illustrated 20 children's books and illustrated another 300 for other authors.- Biography :Wiese was born in Minden, Germany...
. Consisting of 25 novels and one poetry collection, they focus on the adventures of a group of animals living on a farm in rural upstate New York.
Freddy is introduced as "the smallest and cleverest" of the pigs on the Bean farm. He becomes the central character shortly into the series. Freddy's interests drive the books as he becomes a detective, politician, newspaper editor, magician, pilot, and other vocations or avocations. A recurring villain is the slimy but dignified Simon, who leads a gang of criminal rats. Human characters include Mr. and Mrs. Bean, who own the farm, and the population of local Centerboro, and human villains.
Brooks created his animals for To and Again (1927) (later retitled Freddy Goes to Florida). It took some time before their personalities — and their ability to talk to humans when they chose — were fully developed.
In the remainder of the series, the animals of the Bean Farm lead a highly developed life, variously operating a bank, a newspaper, the First Animal Republic, and Freddy's detective business, which follows the principles of Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The fantastic London-based "consulting detective", Holmes is famous for his astute logical reasoning, his ability to take almost any disguise, and his use of forensic science skills to solve...
as Freddy knows them from his reading.
Much of the humor in the books derives from the self-referential way in which the author acknowledges the unreality of talking animals, unlike other children's works in which they are accepted as normal. The Bean Farm animals have attained national fame for their ability to talk and read, and the humans they encounter are taken aback at first (though only momentarily) to find themselves conversing with animals. Although the animals and humans do not age, the stories reflect the social conditions at the time of writing, for example, the books published during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
have scrap drives
United States home front during World War II
This page, United States home front during World War II, covers the developments within the United States, 1940–1945, to support its efforts during World War II.-Economics:...
and victory garden
Victory garden
Victory gardens, also called war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit and herb gardens planted at private residences and public parks in United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Germany during World War I and World War II to reduce the pressure on the public food supply...
s.
Despite their popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, the books went out of print in the 1960s, although children's libraries continued to have them. In the past decade they have been republished by Overlook Press, in response to plaintive requests from Freddy fans who treasure their combination of ingenious plots, well-drawn characters, literary allusions, and wholesome (but not cloying) moral lessons. Adam Hochschild
Adam Hochschild
Adam Hochschild is an American author and journalist.-Biography:Hochschild was born in New York City. As a college student, he spent a summer working on an anti-government newspaper in South Africa and subsequently worked briefly as a civil rights worker in Mississippi in 1964...
, writing in The New York Times Book Review, describes the series as "the moral center of my childhood universe." Hochschild also observes that — when available — sales of the books have increased since when they were first written. Roger Sale
Roger Sale
Roger Sale is an American literary critic and author. He spent most of his career as a professor of English at the University of Washington. He is now retired from professional teaching.-Children's literature:...
, in his history of children's literature sums it up: "If L. Frank Baum
L. Frank Baum
Lyman Frank Baum was an American author of children's books, best known for writing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz...
has a successor, it is Brooks." Nicholas Kristof called them "funny, beautifully written gems."
The audio and film rights to the series have been sold . Audio versions of some books were made and as of 2009, others are apparently in preparation.
Location of books
Nearly all the books focus on the Bean farm and Centerboro area. Neither Centerboro nor the other towns mentioned as being nearest actually exist (Aeschylus Center, Gomorrah Falls, and South Pharisee and Plutarch Mills). However other towns described as slightly further away do exist: Syracuse, Rome and Utica, New York (mentioned, for example in Freddy and the Baseball Team From MarsFreddy and the Baseball Team From Mars
Freddy and the Baseball Team from Mars is the 23rd book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig by American author Walter R. Brooks, illustrated by Kurt Wiese. Capitalizing on Martians' ability to pitch with any of four arms, Freddy creates a baseball team of Martians and circus animals...
). This would put Centerboro somewhere east of Syracuse, close to where Brooks lived as a boy. However in Freddy and Mr. Camphor
Freddy and Mr Camphor
Freddy and Mr. Camphor is the 11th book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig, written by American author Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese...
the nearby fictional lake Otesaraga is described as "thirty miles around, and only a mile across", this corresponds closely (and only) to Skaneateles Lake, some ten miles southwest of Syracuse. Regardless, the evidence supplied by Brooks points to the Bean farm being loosely within 30 miles southwest or generally east of Syracuse.
About the author
Walter R. Brooks (January 9, 1886 – August 17, 1958) was an American writer best remembered for his short stories and children's books, particularly those about Freddy the Pig and other anthropomorphic animal inhabitants of the "Bean farm" in upstate New York.Born in Rome, New York, Brooks attended college at the University of Rochester and subsequently studied homeopathic medicine in New York City. He dropped out after two years however, and returned to Rochester where he married his first wife, Anne Shepard, in 1909. Brooks found employment with an advertising agency in Utica, then "retired" in 1911, evidently because he came into a considerable inheritance. His retirement was not permanent: in 1917, he went to work for the American Red Cross and later did editorial work for several magazines, including The New Yorker. In 1940, Brooks turned to his own writing for his full time occupation. Walter married his second wife, Dorothy Collins, following the death of Anne in 1952.
The first works Brooks published were poems and short stories. His short story "Ed Takes the Pledge" about a talking horse was the basis for the 1960s television comedy series Mister Ed (credit for creating the characters is given in each episode to "Walter Brooks"). His most enduring works are about Freddy the Pig and his friends.
About the illustrator
The series is illustrated by Kurt WieseKurt Wiese
Kurt Wiese was an award-winning German-born book illustrator. Wiese wrote and illustrated 20 children's books and illustrated another 300 for other authors.- Biography :Wiese was born in Minden, Germany...
, who became an award-winning illustrator and author (although not for the Freddy series). The first book was illustrated by Adolfo Best Maugard
Adolfo Best Maugard
Adolfo Best Maugard also known as Fito Best was a Mexican painter, film director and screenwriter.- Life :...
, but redone by Wiese for when the book was re-released. After the first books, the pattern of illustration was established: a half-page black and white drawing at the beginning of each chapter, and a full page black and white drawing within each chapter. The covers are line drawings colored with watercolor, each emphasizing a dominant color. The endpapers are two tone, loosely matching the cover's color theme. For example, the yellow background and blue endpapers drawing of Freddy Rides Again
Freddy Rides Again
Freddy Rides Again is the 18th book in the humorous children’s series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese...
match the non-natural yellow and blue colors of the cover (Freddy, a horse and a goat are yellow). All told, Wiese drew over 900 illustrations for the series.
Freddy books in order of publication
These are all 26 titles in the Freddy the Pig series. Five were originally published with other titles, in parentheses.- Freddy Goes to FloridaFreddy Goes to FloridaFreddy Goes to Florida , is the first of the Freddy the Pig books written by Walter R. Brooks. It tells how the animals of the Bean Farm traveled to Florida and back again, and their adventures on the way.-Plot summary:Freddy was an intelligent pig that lived on the Bean Farm...
, 1927 (To and Again) - Freddy Goes to the North PoleFreddy Goes to the North PoleFreddy goes to the North Pole is the second of the Freddy the Pig books written by Walter R. Brooks...
, 1930 (More To and Again) - Freddy the Detective, 1932
- The Story of Freginald, 1936 (Freddy and Freginald)
- The Clockwork Twin, 1937 (Freddy and the Clockwork Twin)
- Freddy the PoliticianFreddy the PoliticianFreddy the Politician is the 6th book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. In this story, the Bean farm animals start a bank, and elect their first president, two institutions appearing through the rest of the...
, 1939 (Wiggins for President) - Freddy's Cousin Weedly, 1940
- Freddy and the IgnormusFreddy and the IgnormusFreddy and the Ignormous is the 8th book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig by author Walter R. Brooks and illustrator Kurt Wiese. There are dramatic reports of a monster in the dark woods near the Bean farm...
, 1941 - Freddy and the Perilous AdventureFreddy and the Perilous AdventureFreddy and the Perilous Adventure is the ninth book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks, and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. Freddy, ducks Alice and Emma, and the Webb spiders are cast on a voyage when a fairground balloon will not return to the...
, 1942 - Freddy and the Bean Home NewsFreddy and the Bean Home NewsFreddy and the Bean Home News is the tenth book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. The story takes place when the United States was in the middle of World War II.When freedom of the press is stifled in the...
, 1943 - Freddy and Mr. CamphorFreddy and Mr CamphorFreddy and Mr. Camphor is the 11th book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig, written by American author Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese...
, 1944 - Freddy and the Popinjay, 1945
- Freddy the Pied PiperFreddy the Pied PiperFreddy the Pied Piper is the 14th book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks, and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. It tells the tale of regathering circus animals following World War II, and of earning money to repair the disused circus equipment...
, 1946 - Freddy the MagicianFreddy the MagicianFreddy the Magician is the 14th book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. Freddy is ecstatic over the opportunity to learn magic tricks from a professional. However it is just part of a criminal plot to recover...
, 1947 - Freddy Goes CampingFreddy Goes CampingFreddy Goes Camping is the 15th book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks, and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. When a hotel owner is forced to sell under mysterious circumstances, Freddy and his friend Mr...
, 1948 - Freddy Plays FootballFreddy Plays FootballFreddy Plays Football is the 16th book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks, and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. In it, Freddy and the Bean animals try to convince the Beans that Mrs. Bean’s long lost brother is a fake. Freddy lands in jail for...
, 1949 - Freddy the Cowboy, 1950
- Freddy Rides AgainFreddy Rides AgainFreddy Rides Again is the 18th book in the humorous children’s series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese...
, 1951 - Freddy the PilotFreddy the PilotFreddy the Pilot is the 19th book in the humorous children's Freddy the Pig series written by Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. When an airplane from a secret airstrip terrorizes the performances of his friend Mr...
, 1952 - Freddy and the Spaceship, 1953
- The Collected Poems of Freddy the PigThe Collected Poems of Freddy the PigThe Collected Poems of Freddy the Pig is the brief 21st book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. It is not a story, but mostly a reprint of poems and songs that appeared in the series to that point. There are...
, 1953 - Freddy and the Men from MarsFreddy and the Men from MarsFreddy and the Men from Mars is the 22nd book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig, written by American author Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. It tells the story of the confrontation between Freddy and his friends, phony Martians, real Martians, and a circus con...
, 1954 - Freddy and the Baseball Team From MarsFreddy and the Baseball Team From MarsFreddy and the Baseball Team from Mars is the 23rd book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig by American author Walter R. Brooks, illustrated by Kurt Wiese. Capitalizing on Martians' ability to pitch with any of four arms, Freddy creates a baseball team of Martians and circus animals...
, 1955 - Freddy and Simon the DictatorFreddy and Simon the DictatorFreddy and Simon the Dictator is the 24th book in the generally humorous children's series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. It tells how animals in New York State rebel against humans, destroying property and taking control of farms. At the...
, 1956 - Freddy and the Flying Saucer Plans, 1957
- Freddy and the DragonFreddy and the DragonFreddy and the Dragon is the 26th and last book in the humorous children's series Freddy the Pig written by American author Walter R. Brooks and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. Freddy’s attempts to catch the gang extorting money from Centerboro’s city folk are hindered by a headless horseman. The...
, 1958