Hugh Lofting – Doctor Dolittle And The Secret Lake – Reprint

Author: Hugh Lofting
Price: £30
Publisher: Jonathan Cape, London, UK
Publication date: 1956
Format: Original cloth. Dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in a near fine dustwrapper
Edition: 1st edition, fourth impression

Description: Early reprint. Slight fading to the spine cloth. A near fine, tight, clean copy in near fine, slightly marked, rubbed and creased dustwrapper.

Location: OSR: 002605

Doctor Dolittle And The Secret Lake: A Brief Review

Published posthumously in 1948, Doctor Dolittle and the Secret Lake is one of the later entries in Hugh Lofting’s Doctor Dolittle series. As with the earlier books, this instalment continues to captivate readers with its mix of whimsy, adventure, and moral undertones. However, its publication after Lofting’s death, compiled from notes and unfinished drafts, gives it a slightly different feel compared to his other works. The book introduces new adventures and characters while retaining the beloved charm of Doctor Dolittle and his animal companions.

Plot Summary

The story begins with Doctor Dolittle at home in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, where he receives word of a mysterious and magical lake hidden deep in the heart of Africa. The lake, said to hold secrets about the origins of life, piques Dolittle’s insatiable curiosity. Accompanied by his loyal animal friends—Polynesia the parrot, Chee-Chee the monkey, and Too-Too the owl—Dolittle embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about the Secret Lake.

The journey to Africa is filled with challenges, including navigating dense jungles, overcoming natural obstacles, and deciphering cryptic clues about the lake’s location. Along the way, Dolittle interacts with a host of animals, learning their stories and enlisting their help. The climax of the story takes place at the lake itself, where Dolittle uncovers extraordinary truths about the natural world, evolution, and the interconnectedness of life.

Themes

1. Curiosity and Discovery: The central theme of the book is Doctor Dolittle’s quest for knowledge, reflecting the joy of exploration and the importance of learning.
2. Respect for Nature: As always, Lofting’s portrayal of Dolittle emphasises empathy, compassion, and a deep respect for the natural world.
3. Interconnectedness of Life: The lake and its secrets serve as a metaphor for the unity of all living things, a recurring idea in the series.
4. Friendship and Cooperation: The relationships between Dolittle and his animal companions highlight the power of teamwork and mutual understanding.

Key Characters

• Doctor Dolittle: As curious and kind-hearted as ever, Dolittle’s love for animals and insatiable quest for knowledge drive the story forward.
• Polynesia the Parrot: Dolittle’s sharp-witted confidante provides practical advice and humorous commentary throughout the adventure.
• Chee-Chee the Monkey: Chee-Chee’s resourcefulness and courage shine as he helps the doctor overcome obstacles.
• Too-Too the Owl: With his keen intellect, Too-Too plays a key role in deciphering the mysteries surrounding the lake.
• New Animal Friends: The journey introduces new creatures, each with their own unique personalities and stories, adding depth to the narrative.

Writing Style

Lofting’s prose in Doctor Dolittle and the Secret Lake is as vivid and engaging as ever, despite being assembled posthumously. The descriptive passages bring the African landscapes and the mysterious lake to life, immersing readers in a world of wonder and adventure. Lofting’s illustrations, included in the book, add charm and enhance the visual appeal of the story.

The tone of the book balances light-hearted whimsy with moments of philosophical reflection, particularly as Dolittle uncovers the secrets of the lake. This blend of playfulness and depth is a hallmark of Lofting’s work, making it accessible to children while offering something meaningful for adult readers.

Strengths

1. Imaginative World-Building: The depiction of the Secret Lake and its surroundings is rich and evocative, capturing the reader’s imagination.
2. Moral and Philosophical Depth: The story explores profound ideas about life, evolution, and the natural world in a way that is both thought-provoking and accessible.
3. Beloved Characters: The return of familiar characters like Polynesia and Chee-Chee adds continuity and nostalgia for fans of the series.
4. Humour and Charm: Lofting’s trademark humour and whimsical style make the book a joy to read.

Criticisms

1. Posthumous Assembly: As the book was compiled after Lofting’s death, some sections feel less polished or cohesive compared to earlier entries in the series.
2. Pacing Issues: The narrative occasionally drags, particularly in the middle sections, where the journey to the lake takes precedence over action or discovery.
3. Simplistic Conflict: While the story is engaging, it lacks a strong central conflict, relying more on exploration and discovery to drive the plot.

Impact and Legacy

Doctor Dolittle and the Secret Lake holds a special place in the Doctor Dolittle series as one of Lofting’s final works. While not as widely celebrated as The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle or Doctor Dolittle’s Circus, it continues to captivate readers with its imaginative storytelling and meaningful themes.

The book’s emphasis on curiosity, kindness, and respect for all living things aligns with Lofting’s enduring legacy as a writer who championed empathy and understanding.

Conclusion

Doctor Dolittle and the Secret Lake is a charming and thought-provoking addition to Hugh Lofting’s Doctor Dolittle series. While its posthumous nature may result in some inconsistencies, the book’s imaginative world-building, endearing characters, and exploration of philosophical themes make it a worthwhile read for fans of the series.

For those who appreciate Lofting’s unique blend of whimsy and depth, Doctor Dolittle and the Secret Lake offers a fitting final journey into the world of the kind-hearted doctor and his beloved animal companions. It stands as a testament to Lofting’s enduring ability to inspire wonder and curiosity in readers of all ages.

Hugh Lofting: A Short Biography

Hugh John Lofting, born 14 January 1886 in Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, is best known as the author of the beloved Doctor Dolittle series. A writer and illustrator with a vivid imagination, Lofting created a magical world where animals could speak and a kind-hearted doctor could understand them. His works remain timeless classics of children’s literature, celebrated for their humour, creativity, and underlying messages of compassion and respect for all living things.

Early Life and Education

Hugh Lofting was the sixth of six children born to John Brien Lofting and Elizabeth Agnes Gunning. His father was of Dutch ancestry, and the family lived in relative comfort in Maidenhead. Lofting’s early life was marked by a love of nature and animals, interests that would later inform his writing.

He was educated at Mount St Mary’s College, a Jesuit school in Derbyshire, known for its strict discipline and classical curriculum. After completing his schooling, Lofting studied civil engineering at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, graduating in 1905. This practical education seemed at odds with his later career in literature but demonstrated Lofting’s diverse talents and intellectual curiosity.

Early Career and Travels

After completing his studies, Lofting embarked on a career as a civil engineer. He worked in Canada, Cuba, and West Africa, often in challenging and remote locations. These experiences exposed him to a variety of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife, broadening his worldview and deepening his appreciation for nature.

Lofting eventually settled in New York City, where he worked as an engineer and met his first wife, Flora Small. They married in 1912 and had two children, Colin and Elizabeth.

World War I and the Birth of Doctor Dolittle

In 1914, Lofting enlisted in the British Army during World War I, serving as a lieutenant in the Irish Guards. He was stationed in Flanders, where the horrors of trench warfare deeply affected him. While in the trenches, Lofting struggled with how to explain the brutal realities of war to his children. Instead of writing letters about the grim conditions, he began crafting whimsical, illustrated stories featuring Doctor Dolittle, a physician who could speak with animals.

The character of Doctor Dolittle emerged as an antidote to the violence and cruelty Lofting witnessed, offering a vision of kindness, understanding, and harmony with nature. These stories, initially intended solely for his children, would later form the basis of his literary career.

Literary Career

After the war, Lofting returned to his family and began refining and expanding the Doctor Dolittle stories. In 1920, he published The Story of Doctor Dolittle, which introduced readers to the gentle doctor and his animal friends, including Polynesia the parrot, Jip the dog, and Chee-Chee the monkey.

The book was an immediate success, praised for its creativity, humour, and richly detailed illustrations. It was followed by several sequels, including:

• The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle (1922): Winner of the Newbery Medal in 1923.
• Doctor Dolittle’s Post Office (1923): A tale of the doctor’s adventures as a postman for animals.
• Doctor Dolittle’s Circus (1924) and Doctor Dolittle’s Caravan (1926): Exploring the doctor’s foray into the world of entertainment.
• Doctor Dolittle’s Zoo (1925): A heartwarming account of the doctor creating a zoo for animals to visit.

The Doctor Dolittle series eventually grew to include twelve books, written between 1920 and 1952, and became one of the most beloved children’s series of the 20th century.

Themes and Style

Hugh Lofting’s works are distinguished by their:

1. Imagination: Lofting created a richly detailed world where animals had personalities, histories, and languages, brought to life through his vivid descriptions and illustrations.
2. Humour: His writing is filled with playful dialogue, amusing situations, and endearing characters, appealing to children and adults alike.
3. Compassion: Central to the series is a message of kindness and respect for animals, promoting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
4. Social Commentary: Beneath the light-hearted adventures, Lofting subtly critiqued human folly, colonial attitudes, and the exploitation of animals, making his stories thought-provoking as well as entertaining.

Later Life

Lofting’s wife, Flora, passed away in 1927, leaving him devastated. He later married Katherine Harrower Peters, with whom he had a third child, Christopher. After Katherine’s death in 1936, Lofting married for a third time, to Josephine Fricker.

Lofting moved between the United States and England throughout his later years, continuing to write and illustrate. Although his literary output slowed, his earlier works remained popular, earning him financial stability and enduring fame.

Death and Legacy

Hugh Lofting passed away on 26 September 1947 in Topanga, California, at the age of 61. He was buried in Killingsworth, Connecticut, where he had spent much of his later life.

Lofting’s Doctor Dolittle series has remained a cornerstone of children’s literature, celebrated for its charm, humour, and moral lessons. The books have been adapted into various forms, including stage plays, animated series, and films, the most famous being the 1967 musical film starring Rex Harrison and the 2020 adaptation featuring Robert Downey Jr.

Criticism and Modern Perspectives

While Hugh Lofting’s works are beloved, some aspects of the Doctor Dolittle series have drawn criticism in modern times for their depiction of race and colonialism. Early editions included stereotypes that reflect the attitudes of the time but are considered offensive today. Modern editions of the books have been revised to address these issues, ensuring the stories remain accessible to contemporary readers while preserving their core themes of compassion and curiosity.

Influence and Enduring Appeal

Hugh Lofting’s legacy lies in his ability to combine imagination, humour, and moral insight in a way that resonates with readers of all ages. His creation of Doctor Dolittle—a figure of empathy, wisdom, and kindness—continues to inspire children to care for animals and the natural world.

Lofting’s work set a standard for children’s literature that bridges entertainment and education, ensuring his place among the most cherished authors of his generation.

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