Heidi (Illustrated): The 1922 Classic Edition with Original Illustrations

by Johanna Spyri, Marian Edwardes (translator), Catherine Miles (introduction)

Johanna Spyri’s beloved children’s classic, now available in a new edition translated by Marian Edwardes and illustrated by Golden Age American artist Jessie Willcox Smith.After the death of her parents, Heidi’s strict Aunt sends her to live with her grumpy grandfather in a lonely hut up in the mountains. Heidi learns to love the old man as much as her new life – it’s filled with fresh milk and strawberries, adventures with her new friend Peter, and vast green meadows bathed in warm sunshine. But Heidi’s happiness is short-lived.

When her Aunt returns, this time to take Heidi away for a new life in the city, Grandpa is unable to stop her. Heidi becomes a companion to Clara, a wealthy but sickly girl who lives in a big mansion with servants and behaves like a proper lady.

Suddenly, Heidi feels like a little bird trapped in a gilded cage. She doesn’t care about nice clothes and toys and prefers the freedom of running and playing outside. But Clara needs her help, and though Heidi will do anything to return to her true home in the mountains, how can she find it in her heart to leave her new friend behind?

Simple yet captivating, Heidi is a beautiful tale of finding one's way back home, of friendship, and of the majestic Alps. Discover the importance of kindness and the healing power of nature and the mountains in this nostalgic read for adults filled with sweet lessons for children.

Now exclusively featured in this

The complete and unabridged original story, translated by the acclaimed Marian Edwardes.The timeless beauty of Jessie Willcox Smith’s artwork through 35 original illustrations.A fun story quiz to test your knowledge and relive Heidi’s adventures.Stunning cover artwork to make your collection stand out.The best fonts and formatting for a perfect reading experience.


Discover a timeless keepsake gift in this beautifully illustrated edition of Heidi, one of the best-selling children's books of all time, and the most beloved work of Swiss literature ever written.

Genres: Classics

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2024

About the author

Johanna Spyri was a Swiss author of children's stories, best known for Heidi. Born Johanna Louise Heusser in the rural area of Hirzel, Switzerland, as a child she spent several summers in the area around Chur in Graubünden, the setting she later would use in her novels.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how Heidi has to leave the mountains and she falls into a depression? That's how I feel having left the Swiss Alps a few months ago.

Heidi is an orphan who is begrudgingly raised by her aunt until the aunt gets a better job in Germany. She is dropped off at the mountain cottage of her grumpy grandfather. She thrives in the mountains and struggles when she is sent to live with Clara, a German girl with physical disabilities. In the end, the mountains heal both Heidi and Clara, and the sad doctor. A beautiful book with poignant religious references.

*If you can, read the version with the original illustrations.

[Kevin Godinho · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to my girls. My 6 year old was just big enough to follow the book. 7-8 might be the sweet spot. I have a hard time with classics. It took me and my girls a while to get into the story, but once we did, it was really cute. Great Christian themes: prodigal, providence, prayer, repentance, and perseverance. Heidi is a gym.

[James Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read for me. It started with the attempt to read it to my 18-month-old son on our Kindle. Which brought up two mistakes on my part. 1. Lack of pictures. 2. Kindle device. Both rookies mistakes. I know the book is recommended for children around 10 years old, but I thought I would give it a try anyway. Failed. Way too much text. I thought exposing my son by simply reading the story would spark his interest. Nope. Regarding issue 2, it is shocking and terrifying to me how much small children are attracted to technological devices. My son just wanted to see the device hold it and touch it. Fail Army numero dos.

So, I stopped reading it to my son completely let my OCD take over, and finished it on my own. It was a strange book. It's the tale of, you guessed it, Heidi, who has a terrible aunt, but goes on a journey bringing love, and joy, and enriching all the lives around her because of her innocent and loving demeanor. Her happy-go-lucky attitude accompanied by the splendid Austrian Alps make for a pair that can cure any disposition.

The old English style of the book makes it to be a bit of a linguistic acrobatic challenge. But for me, the greatest takeaways will be to not make mistakes 1 and 2 again.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a favourite book of my childhood. I identified closely with Heidi & her relationship with her grandfather. Reading it again brought memories of that closeness back. I left the real world for a time, suspended critical judgement & entered a world where good is rewarded & all is right in the end. I greatly enjoyed revisiting the mountain to find Heidi & Alm Uncle still living happily there.

[Black Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed everything in Frankfurt, only properly read the alps bit. I know the story, read it as a kid, but the writing style/translation really didn't mesh w me. Felt a little TOO young, unlike Anne of Green Gables which I love. Could genuinely just be the translation. I like the nature descriptions, but cared for little else tbh.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother read this book to me as a child. As I am looking forward to a trip which includes Switzerland, I decided to read it myself. I immediately fell in love with the child, Heidi, and absolutely loved the book!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is my first time reading Heidi. It was a wonderful read aloud with vivid descriptions and provides plenty of opportunities for discussions on character, forgiveness, repentance, and faith.

[Tara Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful reprint of a beloved classic

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get around to reading this classic! A beautiful story beautifully written with beautiful illustrations. What else can I say? It was a beautiful reading experience.

[m · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5