The Lonely Doll
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The Lonely Doll is a children's book by Canadian photographer and author Dare Wright.
It tells the story of a doll named Edith, who lives by herself until two teddy bears, called Mr. Bear and Little Bear, appear in her life. One day, Mr. Bear goes out for a walk leaving the two alone in the house; He returns to find they have rummaged in a closet for dress-up clothing, smeared themselves with makeup, and written "Mr. Bear is just a silly old thing" in lipstick on the mirror. Mr Bear proceeds to discipline both Little Bear and Edith, leaving Edith to worry that he will take Little Bear and leave. Mr. Bear assures her that he will never, ever, leave her.
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[edit] Psychological aspects
Some people believe thatThe Lonely Doll is a reflection on Dare Wright's life. Edith, the main character of many of her books, looks a great deal like Dare herself, with a blonde pony tail and golden hoop earrings. She even wears one of Dare's hats. As in Dare's own childhood, the doll in the story spends much of her time alone and longs for friends.
Edith was actually named after Dare's mother, Edie Stevenson Wright, a portrait artist.
[edit] Photography
The photography for The Lonely Doll is said to be innovative, haunting and unique. It is entirely shot in black & white.
The toys are arranged with simple poses within detailed settings. Due to lack of facial features on the doll, she can express any emotion depending on the individual interpretation of the situations she's in, making it a much more powerful experience for susceptible and imaginative readers.
[edit] Toys
The doll is a felt Lenci Doll from the 1920s and belonged to Dare as a child. She sewed Edith's outfits for the books and changed her eye color to blue, resembling the author's looks.
Mr. Bear was manufactured by Schuco, and Little Bear was a special edition Steiff "Jackie Bear." Both were purchased in the 1950's with the help of Dare's brother, Blaine Wright.
[edit] Influence
The book was widely read throughout the 1960s, and is now being enjoyed by its third generation of readers.
