The History of Little King Pippin With an Account of the Melancholy Death of Four Naughty Boys, Who were Devoured by Wild Beasts. And the Wonderful Delivery of Master Harry Harmless, by a Little White Horse.

"The History of Little King Pippin" by Thomas Bewick is a children's narrative likely written during the late 18th century. This book serves as a moral tale, emphasizing the values of good behavior, education, and kindness through the story of Peter Pippin, a virtuous boy who rises to become the titular King of the Good Boys. It combines elements of fantasy and adventure, illustrating how good deeds and moral integrity can lead to personal success and societal respect. In the story, Peter Pippin, a kind-hearted and diligent boy, is chosen by his classmates as their king, attributed to his virtuous nature and wise counsel. Throughout his adventures, Peter embodies the qualities of goodness, humility, and diligence. However, the tale starkly contrasts with the fate of his naughty peers, who face dire consequences due to their disobedience and negligence of moral education. The narrative encapsulates Peter's journey, from a humble beginning under the care of loving parents to his rise as a worthy governor of an island, where he governs benevolently. The book concludes with a powerful moral lesson on the importance of learning, character, and the very real consequences of one's choices. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Thomas Bewick was an English wood-engraver and natural history author. Early in his career he took on all kinds of work such as engraving cutlery, making the wood blocks for advertisements, and illustrating children's books. He gradually turned to illustrating, writing and publishing his own books, gaining an adult audience for the fine illustrations in A History of Quadrupeds.