Bambi

FOREWORD 

BAMBI is a delicious book. For delicacy of perception

and essential truth I hardly know any story of animals

that can stand beside this life study of a forest deer.

Felix Salten is a poet. He feels nature deeply, and he

loves animals. I do not, as a rule, like the method which

places human words in the mouths of dumb creatures,

and it is the triumph of this book that, behind the conversation, one feels the real sensations of the creatures

who speak. Clear and illuminating, and in places very

moving, it is a little masterpiece.

I read it in galley proof on the way from Paris to

Calais, before a channel crossing. As I finished each

sheet I handed it to my wife, who read, and handed it

to my nephew's wife, who read, and handed it to my nephew. 

For three hours the four of us read thus in

silent absorption. Those who know what it is to read

books in galley proof, and have experienced channel

crossings, will realize that few books will stand such a

test.BAMBI is one of them. I particularly recommend

it to sportsmen.

March 16th, 1928 

John Galsworthy