Hitty, Her First Hundred Years

By Rachel Field

Book Overview

"Hitty, Her First Hundred Years" is a celebrated work of children's literature that chronicles the extraordinary life of a small, mountain-ash wood doll named Hitty. Carved in the early 19th century for a young girl in Maine, Hitty embarks on a series of remarkable adventures that span a full century of American history. Through her eyes, readers witness the changing landscape of the world, from the deck of a whaling vessel in the South Seas to the high-society parlors of New York and the quiet fields of a Southern plantation.

As Hitty passes through the hands of various owners, her narrative provides a unique and charming perspective on historical events and shifting social customs. Her resilience and observant nature make her an enduring heroine, capturing the spirit of exploration and the passage of time. This Newbery Medal-winning story remains a masterpiece of storytelling, blending historical detail with the whimsical imagination of a doll's-eye view. "Hitty, Her First Hundred Years" is a timeless exploration of heritage and the enduring power of memory, perfect for readers of all ages who appreciate classic tales of adventure and discovery.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102571590X
• ISBN13: 9781025715902
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 0.6" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

Old Fashioned Charm

Hitty: Her First Hundred Years, as originally written by Rachel Field in 1929, is delightful. The story follows the adventures of a doll, carved by a peddler from a piece of mountain ash, as told in her own words. From being proclaimed a "heathen" goddess on a South Seas Island, traveling with a snake charmer in India, being alternately a fashion plate and a demure Quakeress in the midst of the Civil War, Hitty and her story are truly captivating. Rachel Field has given the world a wonderfully exciting and deeply touching glimpse at history through the eyes of this remarkable doll. The charm of this old fashioned story is enduring, powerful enough to endear itself to each new generation of readers that discovers it.

Lucky to have read the original

After reading some of the other reviews, I feel myself fortunate to have read Hitty in the original. I was unaware it had been edited. I can't think of anything offensive, other than one passage of dialogue spoken by a black family, which might sound sterotypical to modern ears. But, similar dialogue occurs in Huckleberry Finn. Has that been "scrubbed"? I don't think so. Anyhow, what a beautiful story. It's really interesting to see the world from her point of view. She spent years hidden away in a couch, among other places, which was like a time machine for her. I had fun answering this question: Did Hitty know that by the time she was sold at auction in the Preble house, that she had outlived Phoebe? That Phoebe had grown up, married, had children and died? She never says so, but I think she does know. She has the strength and maturity not to have to be explict. I really hope Hitty had warm, fond memories of her first owner, Phoebe.

A stunning classic

My mother passed her copy onto me and now it has passed to my daughter. I buy copies for all my nieces. It's a real treasure. The text is marvelous and the illustrations are never to be forgotten. I understand there's a new version out, but I can't imagine it holding a candle to the original (I haven't heard good things). I have so many wonderful memories of that book: Hitty stuck in the horsehair couch, life with the little Quaker girl, weeks spent in a crow's nest. It brought my own traditional dolls (not Barbie!) alive for me. It also presents a vivid historical portrait of the lives of American girls. Don't let this one go out of print!

What adventures that doll can tell!

This book was extraordinary. I usually don't trust the library's choice of books, but in this I was mistaken. I completed the book in two days-and one was a school day! In parts I almost cried, but in the next instant, I could rejoice and cheer for the brave, spirited little Hitty. Some of the charecters I wish I knew more about -Andy, my favorite charecter, as a start- but it made it more realistic-Hitty would concnetrate most on her current owner, I suppose. That's really it's only flaw that I could find. Good reading!

A DOLL'S MEMORY IS FOREVER

Hitty is a very small wooden doll carved out of mountain-ash (for good luck) in Maine by a kindly pedlar, in gratitude for winter hospitality, then given to the young daughter of the New England sea captain. This charming story is told in the first person by a modest and pleasantly-philosophical doll with a perpetual smile. During her first century as a toy she survives an incredible catalog of dangers, countless owners (not all little girls, either) and numerous narrow escapes. Hitty is privileged to travel the world from bombay to New Orleans, although in her heart she years for her native Maine. She also meets many famous personalities of the 19th century: the opera singer Adellina Patti, novelist Charles Dickens, and poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Her fortunes range from being worshipped as a goddess by pagan islanders, to posing as doll of fashion. She endures trials by water, fire, and plain neglect. Poor patient Hitty is lost, stolen, borrowed, displayed, auctioned, abused, and hidden. But she endures her fate with gentle stocisim and ends by writing a journal about her adventures. The only pride she allows herself is for the fact that her name, HITTY, is still visible on the hem of her petticoat, in red cross stitches. We follow each detail of her story and keep hoping: yes, now she will have a good owner, the last one who will care for her properly and give her the love and respect which she deserves. But no one can write the final chapter on an antique--especially who charms by her stature and smile. This is a delightful book with many historical details which will touch the reader.