Contes de la Grand’maman

c. 1920

Truby King Collection PZ 23 CR48

Paris: Librairie Hachette

In 1880, and before he took his place at Edinburgh University, Truby King lived in Paris, on the Avenue des Gobelins (13th District). He enrolled in more formal French lessons (with Monsieur Mousson), and enjoyed himself by playing cards and smoking! French versions of Hansel and Gretel (‘Jeannot et Margot’) and The Tale of Tulisa (‘La Fille du Bucheron’) are contained in this collection of tales for children. It is more than likely that the Kings read this work to someone like their adopted daughter Mary (Esther Loreena Gordon) when young. Mary later trained as a kindergarten teacher and after the death of Bella, become secretary and factotum for her father.