First American edition of The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Drahos Zak: The classic story of what can happen when you fail to pay the Piper.
Retold by Robert Holden, illustrated by Drahos Zak. 1998, stated first American edition, first printing. Houghton Mifflin, publishers.
As a child, I read the darkest, scariest, most thrilling fairy and folk tales, the closer to the original tales the better. Well before I was ready to concede on Santa Claus, I knew Red Riding Hood's true fate. Lesson: Don't go skipping off by yourself or be charmed by strangers. A timeless lesson.
Drahos Zak's full color and black and white illustrations of Hamelin, the villagers, the nasty rats, and the children are among my favorite pictures done for any children's picture book. His Pied Piper is a classic figure, and the villagers are properly grotesque.
There was a village of Hamelin in Germany, and there are documents that describe a church window that depicted the story of the Pied Piper. But there are many variations on the ending, with most not ending well for the children.
Spoiler, to set your mind at ease: In Holden's retelling of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, when the villagers refuse to pay him for ridding Hamelin of an awful rat infestation, he punishes their greed and dishonesty by luring away their children to "a future much brighter".
Whether the children are led to bright future, or an uncertain one, the lesson is the same: When the bill comes due, it's time to pay the Piper.
Condition*: Fine/Near Fine. The dust jacket shows normal shelf wear along the bottom edge.
*Based on guidelines of the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.
Etsy.com/shop/TheCharmedBookshop
Visit TheCharmedBookshop.com for more first edition children's books.
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Estimated shipping times
- Australia : 1 - 3 business days
- United States : 1 - 3 business days
- North America : 1 - 3 business days
- Europe : 1 - 3 business days
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 1 - 3 business days
- Asia Pacific : 1 - 3 business days
- Latin America and the Caribbean : 1 - 3 business days
- North Africa and the Middle East : 1 - 3 business days
- Sub-Saharan Africa : 1 - 3 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
Privacy policy
* I will not share your personal information with third parties.
* I will contact you only through Etsy or an email address you provide to convey information about your order and news exclusive to The Charmed Bookshop.
* In placing your order, please provide Etsy with an active email address to ensure that I can get in touch with you about your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gift wrapping and packaging
I wrap every book with care and ship it in a padded mailing envelope or sturdy box. If you're purchasing a gift, please advise when ordering and include a gift message.
Care instructions
1. I lightly clean books, as needed, but I don't attempt repairs or restoration. If you'd like a book restored, you'll find trustworthy, qualified experts in your area through libraries or museums.
I also recommend the following care instructions.
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works -
https://goo.gl/6CZ9zA
2. Photos are cropped and resized to Etsy guidelines but are otherwise unedited. Please contact me if you'd like additional photos of book details.
3. Descriptions of condition are based on guidelines from the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.
Order processing time
I'll process and ship your purchase in 1 - 3 business days, and I'll ship anywhere in the world via any mail or delivery service that Etsy offers. (Please refer to the Shipping section for average shipping turn-around times by region.) If I encounter any delays in processing your order, I will advise you in advance.