Are you open to the possibilities of the unexpected?
Listening is believing.
In 1954 with the publication of Horton Hears a Who!, this classic creature, with his soulful eyes skyrocketed into one of the most heroic children’s book characters of all time. To this day Horton remains a lasting symbol of equality, faithfulness, and humanity.
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of this literary milestone, we announce the release of a very special print edition to commemorate Horton’s cultural impact. This is the very first 70th anniversary artwork in the Art of Dr. Seuss Collection!
No Matter How Small
Kids are people too.
In the fall of 1953, Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) began work on Horton Hears a Who! The manuscript was delivered to Random House in January 1954 and released that August. The theme of the book, “A person’s a person, no matter how small,” is worth teaching over and over and over again, to both children and adults alike.
“The book embodies a principle that defines all of Ted Geisel's work: that children be given all the care and respect that authors usually reserve only for their fellow grown-ups”
– Christopher Cerf | Son of Dr. Seuss’s publisher, Bennett Cerf
Horton became a lasting icon of Ted’s entire career and a vital lesson to us all – honor those in our lives who have been faithful, who we can trust, and who have exhibited friendship, companionship, and mentorship in all ways.
Ted would go one to say this single sentence that encapsulates these important ideals:
““I don’t write for children, I write for people””
Secure your acquisition now!
1,995 USD - Unframed
International Purchases: Prices are shown in US Dollars only and do not reflect local exchange rates. Local taxes, import duties or shipping & handling are not included. Please contact a gallery for local pricing.
Pigment Print on Paper
Authorized Estate Edition
25 x 33 inches
Limited Edition of 495 Arabic Numbers
99 Patrons’ Collection
155 Collaborators’ Proofs
5 Hors d’Commerce
2 Printer’s Proofs
An additional 70 prints were created as a special reserve in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Horton Hears a Who!
Who is Horton?
No small feat. All ears.
When Theodor Seuss Geisel first introduced his iconic elephant in the 1940 book, Horton Hatches the Egg, he labored over the name choice. Horton was alternately called Osmer, then Bosco, then Humphrey. Finally Ted chose “Horton” after his Dartmouth classmate, Horton Conrad, linking forever a classy name with these classic words: “I meant what I said, and I said what I meant . . . An elephant’s faithful—one hundred per cent!” Horton Conrad was the advertising manager for Dartmouth's Jack-O-Lantern when Ted was editor-in-chief.
Fourteen years later Horton would find literary immortality in Horton Hears a Who! with his straightforward proclamation: “A person’s a person, no matter how small."
“Who is Horton? He is the champion and savior of the ones no one hears. Horton is the hero and he exemplifies trust and loyalty to friends and family. He is an avatar for overcoming adversity by putting his loyalty above himself.”
Seussian Empathy
Photo of Ted Geisel as a child, c. 1909, Collection of Margaretha and Ted Owens
Ted Geisel wasn’t just born empathetic. He was molded by his experiences. He was the ultimate listener, always keeping his ears open…
There can be no doubt that World War II profoundly affected Ted Geisel. He devoted seven years of his artistic life to not only cartooning and commenting on it, spurring Americans to action, but also was one of those “older creatives” who eventually enlisted, wanting to serve in whatever way they could. His experience was profound, and forever changed the way he viewed the world.
Ted would come to apply his new-found understanding of equality to humankind in general. Seuss historian Dr. Charles Cohen said, “Ted’s long maturation process helped him surmount the attitudes of his day to become a pioneer in the fight for equality, so that children would grow up already knowing what it took him several years to recognize.”
Photo of Ted Geisel in the Army, c. 1943
A Lesson worth remembering 70 years later
“It isn’t always the loudest voice who speaks the greatest wisdom.”
This work is a reminder of some of life’s most important lessons. It isn’t always the loudest voice who speaks the greatest wisdom. Horton’s seminal proclamations: “I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant’s faithful one hundred percent.” and “a person’s a person no matter how small,” would forever define his character.
Open ears leads to an open mind – this was crucial to Seuss in 1954, and just as true 70 years later. To this day, Horton remains a lasting symbol of loyalty, equality, and faithfulness.
