Mr. Limpet

by Theodore Pratt, Garrett Price (illustrator)

Genres: Fiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1942

About the author

Theodore Pratt (1901 - 1969) was an American writer who is best known for his novels set in Florida. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1901 to Thomas A. and Emma Pratt. The family later moved to New Rochelle, New York, where Theodore attended high school. After completing high school, he attended Colgate University for two years, and then Columbia University for another two years, but did not graduate. He worked in New York City as a play reader, a staff reader for a movie company, and a columnist for the New York Sun. He also free-lanced articles for The New Yorker and other national magazines.

Theodore Pratt published more than thirty novels, including four mysteries under the pseudonym of "[author=Timothy Brace|21712110]", two collections of short stories, two plays (adapted from his novels), a few non-fiction books and pamphlets, and numerous short stories and articles in periodicals such as Esquire, Blue Book, Escapade, The Gent, Manhunt, Guilty Detective Story Magazine, Coronet, Fantastic Universe, Space Science Fiction, and The Saturday Evening Post. Some of his novels had strong sexual content by the standards of the time. The Tormented (1950), a study of nymphomania, was turned down by thirty-four publishers. It eventually sold more than a million copies. Five of his works were made into feature motion pictures.

Reviews

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who loved the Don Knotts movie, "The Incredible Mr. Limpet", the book on which the film was based is a delight to discover. The rare exception to the rule, the movie is as good, and in some ways better, than Pratt's completely original and whimsical novel of a man turning into a fish and helping the Allied forces defeat Hitler. Hollywood did little to alter the original story; they added the Crusty character, and omitted Henry being unsuccessfully wooed by Hitler himself. But the bulk of the movie is taken directly and faithfully from the novel. While the film is suitable for kids to enjoy, the book focuses a bit more on Henry's lust, and the conflict created by his desire to be unfaithful to his human wife with Ladyfish. Kinky, in a g-rated sort of way.

Despite favoring the movie more, I was charmed by this little book. Hollywood actually tightened up the plot rather than ruining it, and Don Knotts was perfectly cast in the role of Henry Limpet.

[Jessy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's kinda like The Little Mermaid in reverse, but instead of someone from under the sea wishing to live on the surface, this is a fun fantasy about someone from the surface wishing to live under the sea... Mr. Limpet gets his wish, transforming into a fish, then serving in the American navy during WWII.

It's a good read for both children and adults, and it's one of my favorites!

[Susan Molloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little premise of escapism.

💥 Recommended.
🟣

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the original story that became the animated classic. Tight story, no unnecessary fluffing, line illustrations.

[Fishface · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, family-friendly but not too sweet, addressing the universal longing of featherless bipeds to turn into fish. Basis of the excellent Don Knotts movie.