Doctor Dolittle's Circus

After returning from his African trip, in which he discovered the Pushmi-Pullyu, a two-headed antelope, Doctor Dolittle is looking for a way to pay off his debt. Inspired by the rarity of his new friend, Dolittle decides to enroll the Pushmi-Pullyu in a circus act. Dolittle soon becomes distressed after hearing the complaints of the other circus animals, who are unhappy with the way they are being treated. Deciding to take matters in his own hands, Dolittle begins to plan a daring escape with his circus friends, including evading the coast guard and dressing in humorous disguises.

My recollection from the dark ages of elementary school was that this was my favorite of the Doctor Doolittle books. It certainly is a good one. I was a bit disappointed with Doctor Doolittle's Post Office, the one preceding this one (it seemed a bit disjointed), so I was happy to see that Lofting got his mojo back with Doctor Doolittle's Circus.

The Doctor needs to make some money so as to pay back a sailor for a boat he borrowed and subsequently wrecked. So he and his animal friends, along with the Cat's Meat Man, Matthew Mugg, join a circus to show off the Pushmi-pullyu at six pence a pop. The circus seems to be a bit seamy in parts, especially the way the animals are treated in the menagerie. After a while, through a series of show more adventures, the doctor ends up running the circus himself, and all appears to end happily. Who knows, perhaps they'll even make enough money to pay back the sailor one day. show less

The Hugh Lofting Doctor Dolittle stories are classics that stand the test of time. I really enjoy them and find them clever and enjoyable. I think the writing can be seen as a bit dated but I think it's still extremely readable.

19th impression

NA

NA

No valid German National Library records retrieved.