Vintage Becassine Comic Books in French circa 1958-1962

{HISTORY}

As the first female comic strip protagonist, Becassine made her debut in a French children's magazine in 1905. Created by the magazine's editor, Jacqueline Rivière, the pen name of Jeanne Josephine Spallarosa (1851-1920), the loveable character of Becassine was inspired by the real-life antics and mishaps of Jacqueline's Breton housemaid.

A gullible, naive, and provincial domestic worker from the Breton countryside, Becassine found herself to be a fish out of water in her new place of Parisian employment. A literal thinker, she was often misinterpreting her housemistress's instructions, creating a whole host of humorous misunderstandings. Despite these blunders and all the confusion they caused between culture and customs, Becassine always remained cheerful and optimistic no matter the situation. 

Illustrated by French artist Joseph Pinchon (1871-1953), Becassine was popular in France throughout the 20th century. Part of multi-generational pop-culture, not unlike Mary Poppins, Amelia Bedelia, and Olive Oyl, the Becassine comics were passed down through generations in book and serial form, and even inspired feature films and song lyrics. There were twenty seven Becassine books published from 1913-1962, detailing a wide assortment of adventures and exploits.  Spanning a sixty year publishing career that entertained kids and grownups alike, Becassine is an endearing part of French culture that still remains a beloved  character in the 21st century. 

With their dynamic cover art and engaging stories, we are so excited to bring five vintage Becassine books to the shop that were published between 1958 and 1962. All books are written in French and were published in Paris by Gautier-Languereau.

• Becassine a Clocher-Les-Becasses (1958)
• Becassine Voyage (1958)
• Becassine Dans La Neige (1961)
• Becassine Mene L'Enquete (1962)
• Becassine En Apprentissage

In addition to enjoying the stories, these five are also great candidates for wall art given their colorful coverboards and vibrant vintage aesthetic.

Whether you are a lover of comic books, French style, or vintage pop culture, Becassine will surely charm her way into your day, just as she's been doing since the early 1900s.

Please note, all books are sold individually. Select your favorite titles using the drop-down menu upon checkout.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Hardcover
• Each book contains 45 pages
• Publication dates between 1958 and 1962
• Full color illustrations on each page
• Green and white decorated endpapers
• Each book was published in Paris by Gautier-Languereau
  

{CONDITION}

In overall lovely vintage shape, each book contains its own information on condition as follows...

• Becassine a Clocher-Les-Becasses (1958) -  Contains a gift inscription on the front title page written in pen. The front cover has a slightly bumped spine on the top and bottom edges and a small tear on the spine on the back cover, along with mild scuff marks. The front cover, interior pages, and endpapers are clean, bright, and free of markings. 
• Becassine Voyage (1958)  - Contains a gift inscription on the front title page written in pen and dated Noel (Christmas) 1962. The front cover has a slightly bumped top right corner. The front and back endpapers are a slightly different shade of green from the emerald green endpapers of other editions. The front cover and interior pages are clean, bright, and free of markings. 
• Becassine Dans La Neige (1961) - The front and back coverboards have slightly bumped corners on the top edge. The front cover contains a very slight puncture tear (about 1/4 inch in length on the front spine section near the fold line and a slight smudge near Becasinne's green apron. The interior pages are clean, bright, and free of markings. 
• Becassine Mene L'Enquete (1962) - The front cover board has a rip at the top edge measuring 1" inch in length. This does not affect the binding of the book - all interior pages are tight and secure. The front cover boards have a slightly impressed striping pattern, maybe caused by other books stacked on top of this one at some point in its 60 years of time travel. There's a gift inscription on the front title page written in pen and dated 1964. The top right corner of the front coverboard is bumped slightly. The interior pages and endpapers are clean, bright, and free of markings. 
• Becassine En Apprentissage (1958) - The front cover has a slightly bumped spine on the top edge.  The front cover, interior pages, and endpapers are clean, bright, and free of markings. 
  

{SIZE}

Each book measures 11.75 inches (length) x 9" inches (width) x .25" inches (thickness) and weighs 13 oz.