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Bat: The Story of a Bull Terrier
Stephen Meader’s large and enthusiastic audience can give an extra cheer for his new book, for it has an “extra added attraction.” It’s the first dog story he has written, and it’s first-rate. It is the dramatic and moving tale of a courageous bull terrier. Bat’s luxurious life as a pet and valuable show dog might not have seemed a good preparation for the hardships that overtook him when he was stolen. But his fine instincts and courage came to his own rescue. Young people will thrill to the exciting plot and fine characterization, and dog lovers of all ages will find Bat an irresistible hero.
Hardcover
First published June 1, 1939
42 people want to read
About the author
Stephen W. Meader
67 books21 followersStephen W. Meader (May 2, 1892 – July 18, 1977) was the author of over forty novels for young readers. His optimistic stories generally tended to either concern young men developing independent businesses in the face of adversity, or else young men caught up in adventures during different periods in American history.
Meader graduated from Haverford College in Philadelphia in 1913, and initially worked in Newark, New Jersey as a cruelty officer with the Essex County Children's Aid Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and by 1915 was working for the Big Brother Movement. After working for a Chicago publishing house in 1916, he took a position with the Circulation Department of the Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia, eventually reaching the position of Editor of the Sales Division publications. His first novel, The Black Buccaneer, was the first juvenile publication of the newly founded Harcourt, Brace and Howe.
Meader graduated from Haverford College in Philadelphia in 1913, and initially worked in Newark, New Jersey as a cruelty officer with the Essex County Children's Aid Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and by 1915 was working for the Big Brother Movement. After working for a Chicago publishing house in 1916, he took a position with the Circulation Department of the Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia, eventually reaching the position of Editor of the Sales Division publications. His first novel, The Black Buccaneer, was the first juvenile publication of the newly founded Harcourt, Brace and Howe.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 16, 2022
Great book! I am happy to add it to my short list of favorites that I put in my shelf for ‘dogs-favorite-books.’ I will try not to give away much of the story from what is in the summary for the book that contains:
It is the dramatic and moving tale of a courageous bull terrier. Bat’s luxurious life as a pet and valuable show dog might not have seemed a good preparation for the hardships that overtook him when he was stolen. But his fine instincts and courage came to his own rescue.
Copyright on the book is 1939. Seems like they liked their dogs to come from rich homes and have a stint successfully competing in dog shows. The dog show part was of less interest to me as a dog that happens to be gifted with the perfect show qualities to me is a distraction from how every dog is amazing. I see how a ‘show dog’ having adventures adds to the drama though.
The rich home life I think is always fun for us normal folks to read about. I liked this bit about their Christmas tradition:
After dinner Miss June and the family came, followed by the butler, the cook, the maids and grooms, the gardener and the kennel-man, and carols were sung for half an hour. Then presents were distributed to all the servants. At last, when goodnights and holiday greetings had been spoken, the dog and the girl were left alone in the glow of the Christmas tree.
I have a lady come in to help with the cleaning every few weeks, so I guess sounds similar to my house…
As the summary says, Bat is stolen and they put an ad in the papers for his return:
“’ Lost, strayed or stolen: White English Bull Terrier, last seen on beach at Ventnor, Sept. 7. Well-grown dog, 20 months old, weight about 55 lbs. Registered as Ch. Snowboy of Battersby. Answers to name of “Bat.” A family pet, highly valued to owners. $500 reward for return, no questions asked. Address all communications to Ransdell Faulkner, Ventnor, N.J.’”
There are times the dog is rescued and times the dog rescues others.
"The bloody head lifted feebly and one battered eye opened. Frightened, Tony almost took his wagon and ran away. Instead he stayed, for he saw that the animal was trying pitifully to wag his tail."
Since Bat is a bull terrier, there is some aspects of dog fighting in the book but handled well in defense or protection of others. When he is stolen he has a stint with real dog fighting but it is off screen. But when he has to defend or protect:
'An instinct for battle that had come to him from a thousand fighting ancestors thrilled through his whipcord body. He dove into the fray like a bolt of white lightning.'
Love how stoic dogs are to keep going through suffering always in hope of a happy ending:
'And if you had passed him as he crouched there at the top of the porch steps, shivering in the October wind, you would have seen an unquenchable spark of hope in his somber black eyes.'
The book made me cry in a good way which I have not done for a while. I highly recommend this book and it is a great addition to a library of classic dog story books.
It is the dramatic and moving tale of a courageous bull terrier. Bat’s luxurious life as a pet and valuable show dog might not have seemed a good preparation for the hardships that overtook him when he was stolen. But his fine instincts and courage came to his own rescue.
Copyright on the book is 1939. Seems like they liked their dogs to come from rich homes and have a stint successfully competing in dog shows. The dog show part was of less interest to me as a dog that happens to be gifted with the perfect show qualities to me is a distraction from how every dog is amazing. I see how a ‘show dog’ having adventures adds to the drama though.
The rich home life I think is always fun for us normal folks to read about. I liked this bit about their Christmas tradition:
After dinner Miss June and the family came, followed by the butler, the cook, the maids and grooms, the gardener and the kennel-man, and carols were sung for half an hour. Then presents were distributed to all the servants. At last, when goodnights and holiday greetings had been spoken, the dog and the girl were left alone in the glow of the Christmas tree.
I have a lady come in to help with the cleaning every few weeks, so I guess sounds similar to my house…
As the summary says, Bat is stolen and they put an ad in the papers for his return:
“’ Lost, strayed or stolen: White English Bull Terrier, last seen on beach at Ventnor, Sept. 7. Well-grown dog, 20 months old, weight about 55 lbs. Registered as Ch. Snowboy of Battersby. Answers to name of “Bat.” A family pet, highly valued to owners. $500 reward for return, no questions asked. Address all communications to Ransdell Faulkner, Ventnor, N.J.’”
There are times the dog is rescued and times the dog rescues others.
"The bloody head lifted feebly and one battered eye opened. Frightened, Tony almost took his wagon and ran away. Instead he stayed, for he saw that the animal was trying pitifully to wag his tail."
Since Bat is a bull terrier, there is some aspects of dog fighting in the book but handled well in defense or protection of others. When he is stolen he has a stint with real dog fighting but it is off screen. But when he has to defend or protect:
'An instinct for battle that had come to him from a thousand fighting ancestors thrilled through his whipcord body. He dove into the fray like a bolt of white lightning.'
Love how stoic dogs are to keep going through suffering always in hope of a happy ending:
'And if you had passed him as he crouched there at the top of the porch steps, shivering in the October wind, you would have seen an unquenchable spark of hope in his somber black eyes.'
The book made me cry in a good way which I have not done for a while. I highly recommend this book and it is a great addition to a library of classic dog story books.
February 2, 2016
Great story, especially the later chapters. Uplifting and poignant, Bat is one of the very best dog stories I've ever read. All of Stephen Meader's books are classic novels and this book is no exception.
June 14, 2020
Such a good dog story by one of the best authors ever. This is the story that made me fall in love with bull terriers. Anytime I can read a Meader book is a time well spent.
December 13, 2022
When Bat, a pampered show dog, is stolen, he experiences many adventures before a happy conclusion.
Want to read
January 10, 2026everytime i find another obsecure xenofiction title i cheer
August 16, 2008
I learned to love Bull Terriers when I wa 9 years old from reading this book, regardless of the fact that at that time I had never seen a Bull Terrier.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews