A page from history, originally uploaded by dfb.
My son’s copy of Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever is pretty much destroyed (my fault – long story). In an attempt to make it up to him I bought a used copy. My son’s original copy was printed in the last few years. The new-used copy is from a 1979 printing (the original copyright for both say 1963).
It seemed like a good idea until we noticed that the editors had removed certain pages and images — for good reason — from more recent editions. For example, this is one such page that was not included in my son’s copy. The small text says: “Indian is coming to town to buy a horse for his squaw to ride. Why do you think it would be nice for her to have a horse to ride?”
I’m glad the editors made the choice to remove this page and certain other pictures from more recent editions – this book is intended for babies and preschoolers after all.