Scarce collection of four softcover Spanish-language Disney books related to Walt Disney’s historic 10-week ‘goodwill tour’ of South America in August-October of 1941, including ‘Donald, En El Lago Titicaca,’ ‘El Dragon Chiflado,’ ‘El Guacho Dippy,’ and ‘Pedro, El Avioncito de Los Andes.’ Each book, 11.25 x 8.25 and 8.25 x 11.25, was published by Walt Disney Productions in 1942, with three of the titles appearing as segments in the 1942 film Saludos Amigos; the only title that did not was adapted into the 1941 film The Reluctant Dragon. The front cover of each is annotated in ink, “Mrs. Harris,” assuredly Mary Harris, who was sent these books by Lee and Mary Blair, two of the 18 members that made the trip to South America. Also included is a softcover Spanish-language Disney book entitled El Pato Donald (1953). In overall very good and fragile condition, with tape-repaired spines, and paper loss, tears, and creasing to covers; interior pages appear fine and unaffected.
In 1941, before America entered World War II, Walt Disney took a group of his best animators and composers to Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru, as part of a goodwill tour commissioned by the United States Department of State. As well as exercising the Good Neighbor Policy, the trip was intended to lead to a new animated movie that could be shown in Central and South America to celebrate (and secure) their friendly relationship. The film would ultimately become Saludos Amigos.
From The Ramsay Harris Collection.
