Title: Father Christmas
Illustrator: Voitech Kubasta
Publisher: Artia, Prague / Bancroft & Co. Publishers
Year: 1961 (Catalog number 307/61)
Format: Folio (12 3/4 x 9 inches)
Pages: 8 pages of story text with a double pop-up spread and pull-tab movable elements on the cover
Description:
This panascopic pop-up edition of Father Christmas by Voitech Kubasta contains 8 pages of text, telling a festive Santa Claus story, and is beautifully designed with a large double pop-up spread. The cover includes pull-tab movable elements, including Santa's iconic beard, which remains in unusually clean condition. Kubasta's Father Christmas pop-up book from 1961 often came with a special feature: a separate "snow" cloth that could be laid over the scene to enhance the wintery feel. This delicate piece of fabric remains in this copy - very rare because it is almost always missing from most surviving copies
Condition:
- Overall: Fine condition.
- Pop-ups: The intricate pop-up scenes and movable elements are all fully functional, with no tears, writing, or repairs. The cellophane window panes remain intact, adding to the book’s nostalgic charm.
- Cover Movable: The pull-tab mechanism on the cover works smoothly, and Santa's beard is remarkably clean compared to typical copies.
- Extras: The original "snow" cloth, an accessory often missing from other copies, is included and well-preserved.
Collector's Corner: Other copies available
There are several known variations of this Father Christmas pop-up book, the latest of which was published in 1991. The first and rarest edition, created in the 1960s for export to an English publisher, was initially sold with a special paper envelope and featured a double-sheet pop-up without a third fold-out page. This rare version was intended as an elaborate Christmas card. We are fortunate to possess one of these original first editions with the envelope intact, an exceedingly rare find. (Inquire for more details if interested in the first edition.)
Kubasta's work, particularly his panascopic designs, was revolutionary in the world of pop-up books. The term "panascopic" refers to Kubasta's unique style of creating pop-up books that feature three-dimensional scenes with a wide-angle view, giving readers a panoramic experience. This approach became one of Kubasta's trademarks, setting his work apart from other pop-up book artists of the time.
All books are returnable within 10 days of receipt if not delighted for any reason.