"Histoire de Babar" by Jean de Brunhoff - Hachette 1939 - Early French edition - 36,5cm x 26,5 cm - condition: good, origional binding with some wear and rubbing - all illustrations present. Babar the Elephant is an elephant character who first appeared in 1931 in the French children's book Histoire de Babar by Jean de Brunhoff. The book is based on a tale that Brunhoff's wife, Cécile, had invented for their children. It tells of a young African elephant, named Babar, whose mother is killed by a big game hunter. Babar escapes, and in the process leaves the jungle in exile, visits Paris, and returns to bring the benefits of civilization to his fellow elephants. Just as he returns to his community of elephants, their king tragically dies from eating a poisonous mushroom. Because of his travels and civilization, Babar is chosen king of the elephant kingdom. He marries his cousin, Celeste, and they subsequently have children and teach them valuable lessons.