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The Gothamites
From Estonia's most celebrated children's author Eno Raud, comes a spirited tale of the wise, turned utterly foolish Gothamites, on a journey to capture light, solve riddles, and make sense of the world without a "grain of wisdom." Through Pritt P&aauml;rn's brilliant and overflowing illustrations, the world of Gotham bounds beyond each page.
In a faraway land live a bright, industrious people called the Gothamites. They are known for being model citizens, so much so that other communities constantly call upon them for advice, leaving the Gothamites with no time for themselves. Fed up, they hit on a solution: they'll become the most foolish people around: after all, no one wants foolish advice. Chaos ensues, brilliantly captured by Eno Raud's wordplay and Priit P&aauml;rn's crowded illustrations. From one of Estonia's most cherished children's authors comes the spirited tale of a town that decides to wreak havoc in hilarious fashion.
In a faraway land live a bright, industrious people called the Gothamites. They are known for being model citizens, so much so that other communities constantly call upon them for advice, leaving the Gothamites with no time for themselves. Fed up, they hit on a solution: they'll become the most foolish people around: after all, no one wants foolish advice. Chaos ensues, brilliantly captured by Eno Raud's wordplay and Priit P&aauml;rn's crowded illustrations. From one of Estonia's most cherished children's authors comes the spirited tale of a town that decides to wreak havoc in hilarious fashion.
44 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Eno Raud
76 books37 followersHe was an Estonian children's book author. He graduated from university with a course in Estonian language study in 1952. From 1952 to 1956 he worked in the Estonian National Library. From 1956 to 1965 he worked in the Estonian national publishing association. After that he retired and devoted himself to writing. His works include "Three funny friends", "The story with the flying saucer", "Fire in a darkened city", "Nii või naa" (This or that way) and others.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 8, 2019
Known for their wisdom and sage advice, the male Gothamites of Turkeyland find themselves leaving their own country one by one, lured away by the kings and rulers of other nations, and made into counselors in these foreign lands. When their women see how matters stand, they demand that the men come home and stay there. Worried about how to accomplish this, without offending the kings who have given them employment, the Gothamites come up with a plan: they will become such fools, that no one would ever seek their advice again. And so it goes, as the Gothamites become a byword for silly stupidity, building town halls without windows, and sowing salt in a field, in order raise a salt crop...
When I saw that Elsewhere Editions, the new children's book imprint of Archipeligo Books, based in Brooklyn, New York, was bringing out one of Estonian children's author Eno Raud's books in English, I was quite excited. I read Raud's The Adventures of Sipsik , a classic of Estonian children's literature originally published in 1962, some years ago, and have been curious about the author's other work ever since. The Gothamites marks the first time that Raud has been translated into English here in the states, as all previous translations, that I am aware of, occurred in Estonia (or the Soviet Union) itself. I was intrigued moreover, by the title here, as it seems to reference the English folk legend concerning The Wise Men of Gotham , in which a village avoids a royal visit by feigning imbecility. I found myself wondering whether a similar tale existed in the Estonian tradition, or whether perhaps the translator simply chose the name of the book because of the similar theme of the two stories.
However that may be (and I am still not sure of the answer to either of those questions), in the end I found The Gothamites quite a let down. Perhaps my expectations were simply too high, or perhaps I simply wasn't in the right frame of mind to be receptive to the humor of the story here, but I found myself largely unamused by and uninterested in the narrative, despite being aware that it was meant to be funny. In fact, I had to force myself to finish the book, which almost never happens. Formatted like a picture-book, it is more like a novella, text-wise, although there are full-page illustrations as well, from Priit Pärn. Unfortunately, I didn't find the artwork any more appealing than the tale, making this one a title I simply didn't enjoy. Tastes vary of course, so if readers are interested in stories about fools (there is an entire category of folklore devoted to this kind of tale), or in Estonian children's literature, they might want to give this one a try.
When I saw that Elsewhere Editions, the new children's book imprint of Archipeligo Books, based in Brooklyn, New York, was bringing out one of Estonian children's author Eno Raud's books in English, I was quite excited. I read Raud's The Adventures of Sipsik , a classic of Estonian children's literature originally published in 1962, some years ago, and have been curious about the author's other work ever since. The Gothamites marks the first time that Raud has been translated into English here in the states, as all previous translations, that I am aware of, occurred in Estonia (or the Soviet Union) itself. I was intrigued moreover, by the title here, as it seems to reference the English folk legend concerning The Wise Men of Gotham , in which a village avoids a royal visit by feigning imbecility. I found myself wondering whether a similar tale existed in the Estonian tradition, or whether perhaps the translator simply chose the name of the book because of the similar theme of the two stories.
However that may be (and I am still not sure of the answer to either of those questions), in the end I found The Gothamites quite a let down. Perhaps my expectations were simply too high, or perhaps I simply wasn't in the right frame of mind to be receptive to the humor of the story here, but I found myself largely unamused by and uninterested in the narrative, despite being aware that it was meant to be funny. In fact, I had to force myself to finish the book, which almost never happens. Formatted like a picture-book, it is more like a novella, text-wise, although there are full-page illustrations as well, from Priit Pärn. Unfortunately, I didn't find the artwork any more appealing than the tale, making this one a title I simply didn't enjoy. Tastes vary of course, so if readers are interested in stories about fools (there is an entire category of folklore devoted to this kind of tale), or in Estonian children's literature, they might want to give this one a try.
January 27, 2019
The Gothamites is a very strange, cute, funny, odd, and quirky collection of shorts tales about the Gothamites who live in Turkeyland. The first tale explains how the world's smartest and most sought-after advisors spent so much time away from home that the women grew unhappy. It was decided, in order to stay home, they needed to become stupid. The rest of the stories all highlight the dumb things the Gothamites did after that including: building a large communal building without windows, laid snares to trap heat from escaping, planting salt seeds, and dealing with an evil crayfish. After buying a mousing dog from a stranger, the Gothamites were shocked to learn the dog would eat homes and people when no mice were left, so they did what any good idiot would do, they burned down their town and dispersed throughout the rest of the world.
Children and adults will interpret the stories quite differently, which makes the whole collection enjoyable for all. The illustrations are different, but fitting.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance reader copy.
Children and adults will interpret the stories quite differently, which makes the whole collection enjoyable for all. The illustrations are different, but fitting.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance reader copy.
April 27, 2016
Kilplased on ikkagi kilplased :)
January 25, 2019
I found this strange and quite silly. I’m not sure I even would have liked it as a child.
June 11, 2019
Fairly funny little book, about how a bunch of really smart people became rather dumb...
I received a copy through Edelweiss, opinion is my own.
I received a copy through Edelweiss, opinion is my own.
January 9, 2025
Originally published in Estonian, this collection of interconnected stories presents the inhabitants of Gotham, whose quirky and laughably illogical decisions make them lovable in their ridiculousness. With a winking nod to folklore traditions, Raud paints a portrait of a community whose well-intentioned but misguided actions lead to hilariously avoidable predicaments. From attempting to trap sunlight to weighing a goat as part of a dowry agreement, the Gothamites’ antics highlight the universal folly of over-complication, group-think, and blind adherence to convention.
Adam Cullen’s lively and idiomatic translation preserves the wit and subtle social commentary that have made these stories a classic in Estonia. The prose is simple yet sharp, allowing the humor to shine without losing the satirical undertones that critique human nature and societal absurdities.
Accompanied by Priit Pärn’s whimsical illustrations, which perfectly capture the eccentricity and charm of the Gothamites, the book feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary. Each tale is a standalone gem, but together they create a cohesive world that invites readers to laugh, reflect, and marvel at how little the foibles of human nature have changed over time.
A perfect read for fans of absurdist humor or anyone who delights in tales of human folly, The Gothamites stands as a testament to the enduring power of humor to illuminate universal truths.
Adam Cullen’s lively and idiomatic translation preserves the wit and subtle social commentary that have made these stories a classic in Estonia. The prose is simple yet sharp, allowing the humor to shine without losing the satirical undertones that critique human nature and societal absurdities.
Accompanied by Priit Pärn’s whimsical illustrations, which perfectly capture the eccentricity and charm of the Gothamites, the book feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary. Each tale is a standalone gem, but together they create a cohesive world that invites readers to laugh, reflect, and marvel at how little the foibles of human nature have changed over time.
A perfect read for fans of absurdist humor or anyone who delights in tales of human folly, The Gothamites stands as a testament to the enduring power of humor to illuminate universal truths.
Want to Read
April 2, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
September 10, 2019
While the English translation of this children’s book just came out this summer, the original book (in Estonian) dates to 1962. I don’t point that out because it’s incomprehensibly dated, but because some readers may find the basis of the story to be misogynistic by today’s standards. There is a nation of people (the Gothamites) that is so known for their great wisdom and erudition that all of its men are hired abroad as counselors and advisers. The women find it untenable to have their men gone all the time, as well as finding their own nation is falling into shambles, and so they call all the men back home for a pow-wow. It’s decided that as long as their reputation for wisdom precedes them, the Gothamite men will always be called away to serve other nations, and so the only solution is to immediately give up their clever ways. Which they do.
The opening chapter lays out the backstory I discuss in the previous paragraph. Each chapter thereafter shows the Gothamites bumbling through a simple problem for which they are now unable to find solutions because they’ve given up being contemplative. It’s a bit like the movie “Idiocracy” but set in an ill-defined past instead of in the future, and geared toward children rather than adults. If it was meant as a jab at the Soviets for the bumbling ineptitude in which their system of governance resulted, it seems to have escaped the wrath of the USSR and – in fact – the author seems have done well for himself.
This is one of those children’s books, where I believe the age of the child matters greatly. Let’s consider just one of the stories from the book. Facing a salt shortage, the foolish Gothamites plant a field with little crystals of salt. When weeds begin to sprout, as will happen in a fallow field, the Gothamites are sure they are on the right track. There is an age at which this story is humorous and / or provides a teachable moment, but an older age at which the recipient of the story finds it boring and cringe-worthy. I think at the sweet-spot, the stories are funny and may offer ways to encourage judicious thinking. It’s certainly not laugh-out-loud funny for an adult reader, but it’s all about finding the right audience.
There are whimsical artworks throughout, depicting scenes from the various misadventures of the Gothamites. As far as how individuals are drawn, it reminded me of the old Popeye cartoons, but most of the plates show a chaotic scene with many silly things going on at once.
As l said, I think one has a limited window for an ideal readership, but within that window I think children will find the stories amusing and playful, and parents will find it to be wholesome humor. For that readership, I’d highly recommend this book.
The opening chapter lays out the backstory I discuss in the previous paragraph. Each chapter thereafter shows the Gothamites bumbling through a simple problem for which they are now unable to find solutions because they’ve given up being contemplative. It’s a bit like the movie “Idiocracy” but set in an ill-defined past instead of in the future, and geared toward children rather than adults. If it was meant as a jab at the Soviets for the bumbling ineptitude in which their system of governance resulted, it seems to have escaped the wrath of the USSR and – in fact – the author seems have done well for himself.
This is one of those children’s books, where I believe the age of the child matters greatly. Let’s consider just one of the stories from the book. Facing a salt shortage, the foolish Gothamites plant a field with little crystals of salt. When weeds begin to sprout, as will happen in a fallow field, the Gothamites are sure they are on the right track. There is an age at which this story is humorous and / or provides a teachable moment, but an older age at which the recipient of the story finds it boring and cringe-worthy. I think at the sweet-spot, the stories are funny and may offer ways to encourage judicious thinking. It’s certainly not laugh-out-loud funny for an adult reader, but it’s all about finding the right audience.
There are whimsical artworks throughout, depicting scenes from the various misadventures of the Gothamites. As far as how individuals are drawn, it reminded me of the old Popeye cartoons, but most of the plates show a chaotic scene with many silly things going on at once.
As l said, I think one has a limited window for an ideal readership, but within that window I think children will find the stories amusing and playful, and parents will find it to be wholesome humor. For that readership, I’d highly recommend this book.
March 3, 2019
This came across as a book of child-friendly nonsense I may have read as a youngster, although I could not have done so based upon when it was written. The piece has a sort of arc as some brainboxes return to their country with the intent of looking so stupid they never get invited back to their posts around the world as advisors ever again. And clearly, from these short stories, they find it surprisingly easy to look daft. They try and drown a crayfish as an attempted murderer, build council chambers in which to debate how to look stupid and forget to include windows, and so much more. But apart from that here are the illustrations, which are wonderful. Yes, they make the balance of the piece seem unusual in that we get dense pages of script alongside full-page illustrations (some young readers will be put off by how much text they see on each spread, even if most stories are two sides long), but they really appeal to the charm of the book. For one thing, even if it's wrong to say it, the female Gothamites are more than a bit attractive, all in their identical summer dresses. For another, weird and wacky vignettes continue from one picture to another, so an encounter with a ladder and a tree gets prolonged over several images, a horse-rider features a lot, as does the man attacked by a dog, a snowman and so much more. All told, this is an intelligent piece of silliness, and if there's more to come of such ilk, may it hasten to my attention. A strong four stars.
June 22, 2019
Rather funny paean to stupidity
"The Gothamites were famed near and far for their sensibility and keen wit." Their assistance is sought so regularly that they are forever away from home, and decide that the best way to stop this is to become so foolish that nobody will consult them anymore:
"it's crystal clear that there's no better means than stupidity for countering the damage wisdom can cause."
And so the Gothamites govern themselves with stupidity. Building a new council chamber... without windows. Other similarly silly escapades ensue.
There is wordplay too, that adults will scoff at but children may need some explanation of:
"A whole dozen soldiers left the village in the morning... yet that night, no more than just twelve men returned."
Lots of short and trivial episodes, one to share with children. They have a fairy tale feel but of course don't take the usual path of fairy tales.
Some old-fashioned looking illustrations, a short collection of chapters that will entertain in their imbecility.
For children and adults alike.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample reading copy.
"The Gothamites were famed near and far for their sensibility and keen wit." Their assistance is sought so regularly that they are forever away from home, and decide that the best way to stop this is to become so foolish that nobody will consult them anymore:
"it's crystal clear that there's no better means than stupidity for countering the damage wisdom can cause."
And so the Gothamites govern themselves with stupidity. Building a new council chamber... without windows. Other similarly silly escapades ensue.
There is wordplay too, that adults will scoff at but children may need some explanation of:
"A whole dozen soldiers left the village in the morning... yet that night, no more than just twelve men returned."
Lots of short and trivial episodes, one to share with children. They have a fairy tale feel but of course don't take the usual path of fairy tales.
Some old-fashioned looking illustrations, a short collection of chapters that will entertain in their imbecility.
For children and adults alike.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample reading copy.
December 17, 2016
Klassika jääb klassikaks! Seda "laenatakse", tõlgitakse ja kohandatakse. Sajandid mööduvad ning aina uued põlvkonnad sirguvad, loevad ja naeravad. Kilplaste lood võisid tõesti käibele tulla 16. sajandil väikeses Saksamaa linnas elanud inimeste kohta, kuid lollus on nagu armastus - see ei kao siit ilmast kunagi. Seda väga lihtsal põhjusel ning sellest jutustab "Kilplaste" viimane peatükk.
Nimelt peale oma küla maha põletamist (aeti taga hiirekoera), rändasid kilplased laia maailma uut eluaset otsima - üks sinna ja teine tänna. Vahel tundub, et kilplaste lapselapselapsi sattus vanale heale Liivimaale kohe hulgi. Kuid külastades teisi maid jõuad ruttu selgusele, et asi pole pooltki nõnda hull. Tänu taevale on lolle kogu maailm võrdelt täis.
PS: Priit Pärn = Elav legend!
Nimelt peale oma küla maha põletamist (aeti taga hiirekoera), rändasid kilplased laia maailma uut eluaset otsima - üks sinna ja teine tänna. Vahel tundub, et kilplaste lapselapselapsi sattus vanale heale Liivimaale kohe hulgi. Kuid külastades teisi maid jõuad ruttu selgusele, et asi pole pooltki nõnda hull. Tänu taevale on lolle kogu maailm võrdelt täis.
PS: Priit Pärn = Elav legend!
February 21, 2019
I didn't know this author and was happy to have requested this book.
I liked the story and the lovely illustration.
The stories were nice, reminding me of the East European fables. They were sweet, humorous and thought provoking at the same time.
A very good book for both adult and children.
Many thanks to Archipelago and Netgalley for this ARC
I liked the story and the lovely illustration.
The stories were nice, reminding me of the East European fables. They were sweet, humorous and thought provoking at the same time.
A very good book for both adult and children.
Many thanks to Archipelago and Netgalley for this ARC
June 14, 2022
3.5 stars. Such silliness, very entertaining. Super-short stories, filled with quirky twists and turns reminiscent of Don Quixote and Jewish storytelling. The large Where's-Waldo-ish illustrations are chock full of people doing crazy stuff, so there's plenty for kids to marvel at and giggle about while being read to.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews