Loewensohn, Gustav (publisher). Awake, Sleeping Beauty. Fürth, Germany: G. Loewensohn, [1880s].
Large oblong 4to (approx. 12 x 10 in.; 30 × 26 cm). Chromolithographed four-level theatrical diorama pop-up, with all layered stage elements intact and rising perfectly when the card is opened. Original tabs pulling up images are present and functional. Issued as one of the four scenes in Loewensohn’s celebrated Theatrical Picture Book series, though here in the separately published, card-covered double-spread edition, as known from collector and bibliographic references of the period. No imprint, as usual.
Condition: Four-level diorama pop-up scene complete, with all original layered elements present and rising correctly when opened. A tear on the right side separates part of the scene but does not result in any loss, and all pictorial components remain intact. Light tearing and wear around the front pull-tabs as typical of these fragile constructions. Colors bright, layers clean. Overall condition is Good (complete and structurally sound, but with a tear and tab wear), representing a very desirable survival for such a rare and fragile late-19th-century theatrical pop-up.
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Collectors Corner:
This Sleeping Beauty scene—corresponding to Dornröschen in the German edition—is one of the four dramatic tableaux originally comprising the Theater Bilderbuch: Der arme Robinson (Robinson Crusoe), Der gestiefelte Kater (Puss in Boots), Rothkäppchen (Little Red Riding Hood), and Dornröschen (Sleeping Beauty). The complete set is cited in Russell, 1881, Vol. 4 and Russell, 1894, Vol. 16, confirming Loewensohn’s authorship and the composition of the original series.
These individual scenes are now extremely rare, having been handled as toys and lacking the protective structure of the bound book. The Sleeping Beauty scene is among the most visually striking and least commonly encountered of the four.
We also have Poor Robinson available at https://www.vintagepopupbooks.com/Rare-Antique-Theater-Pop-Up-Book-1883-p/a-31b.htm
As well as an entire set in French at : https://www.vintagepopupbooks.com/Theater-Bilderbuch-by-Loewensohn-and-Capendu-p/l-02.htm
According to the Movable Book Society Newsletter from August, 2007, “The four separate scenes came on the market at the same time, under their own titles, as card-covered, double spreads, most likely to increase the profits! The Poor Robinson that puzzled Ann Montanaro and is, therefore, one of those separately published scenes - all of which are now very rare.”
Collectors Corner:
The French scenes are part of a broader international series first published in Germany as Theater-Bilderbuch by Gustav Loewensohn of Fürth. Around 1883, Loewensohn produced the original theatrical dioramas using chromolithography and collaborated with publishers across Europe. The same four scenes were translated and issued in multiple languages:
German and English titles (Theater-Bilderbuch and Theatrical Picture Book):
Der arme Robinson – Robinson Crusoe
Der gestiefelte Kater – Puss in Boots
Rothkäppchen – Little Red Riding Hood
Dornröschen – Sleeping Beauty
The English editions, issued around 1883, were often exported and lack printed publication data. They are noted in both Russell’s Bibliography (1881, Vol. 4; 1894, Vol. 16) and are attributed to Löwensohn.
In response to an inquiry by movable book historian Ann Montanaro, the late Theo Gielen—an esteemed researcher in the field of interactive and movable books—provided a definitive account of the origins and structure of Poor Robinson. His findings were published in Movable Stationery, Vol. 15, No. 3 (August 2007). Gielen identified Poor Robinson as one of four theatrical diorama scenes originally published circa 1883 under the collective title Theatrical Picture Book. Though the English versions carry no imprint, he attributed the printing to Gustav Loewensohn of Fürth, Germany, a firm known for its chromolithographic production of movable books and its collaborations with publishers like Raphael Tuck.
According to Gielen, the scenes were issued in two primary formats:
As a single concertina-style book binding, with all four dioramas presented side-by-side when unfolded
Separately, as individually sold card-covered double spreads—a format likely intended to broaden commercial appeal and maximize profits
Gielen confirmed the publication date as 1883 and emphasized the multilingual nature of the series. The same theatrical scenes appeared in German (Theater-Bilderbuch), French (Grand théâtre en Actions, published by A. Capendu of Paris), and in anonymous English editions. In the French version, Capendu even reused the printed book cover board on the reverse of one of the individual scenes.
Gielen’s scholarship remains the most comprehensive documentation of this series. He clarified that individually published scenes like the English Poor Robinson—which had previously confounded collectors—were indeed part of a larger coordinated series, and are now considered exceedingly rare.
Related Editions: A New Children’s Theatre by Birn Brothers (London)
A second English-language edition of theatrical diorama books appears to have been published by Birn Brothers of London in the 1880s under the title A New Children’s Theatre. Issued from their address at 12 Milton Street, E.C., this version contains four different scenes:
The Queen’s Birthday
Punch & Bunny
Thanksgiving in Memphis
The Grand Circus
Each pop-up measured approximately 32 × 26 cm and opened to reveal elaborate, layered stage sets. Although distinct from the Theatrical Picture Book series, the Birn Brothers’ edition shares a remarkably similar theatrical format, suggesting either inspiration from or concurrent development with Loewensohn’s dioramas.
About Birn Brothers:
Birn Brothers Ltd. was a prolific London-based publisher and printer known for greeting cards, children’s novelties, Christmas items, and visual ephemera. Founded by brothers J. and S. Birn, the company was headquartered at 135 London Wall and later at 67–70 Bunhill Row. Birn Brothers maintained an international presence with a Fifth Avenue showroom in New York, serving both British and American markets.
References:
Gielen, Theo. “Poor Robinson and Theatrical Picture Books.” Movable Stationery 15, no. 3 (August 2007): 1–4.
Russell, A. Bibliography of English Pop-Up Books, Vol. 4 (1881); Vol. 16 (1894).
Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bulletin, May 1971.
David Brass Rare Books, Inventory #05548.
WorthPoint auction archive: Antique Victorian Pop Book – A New Children’s Theatre, accessed 2024.
Others in the series:
“A Rare Cat” was pictured in the Metropolitan Museum Of Art Bulletin in May of 1971.
