Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – A Big Golden Book (Golden Press, New York) 1952

Storybook gold

This legendary storybook was first published by Golden Press in 1952. The story is adapted by Jane Werner, and the famous and influential illustrations are by Campbell Grant.

The book has been adapted abroad, such as in France, where a version was released in 1953. It was also reprinted many times, with subtle variations, in the USA.

Although none of the characters are on model, Grant’s style sublimes the drawings, even with some inconsistencies: most notably the red dots on Snow White’s dress that appear on several drawings when she is in the woods, magically disappear when she enters the dwarfs’ cottage.

In 1984, Western Publishing was acquired by Simon & Schuster, which made Golden Press (and the whole Golden Books line) part of the Simon & Schuster group until 1996.