Polar the Titanic Bear by Daisy Corning Spedden (1994, Reinforced Hardcover)

Polar The Titanic Bear: A True Story by Daisy Corning Stone Spedden. Illustrations by Laurie McGaw. 1994. Book is hardcover with dustjacket.

In 1913, an American heiress named Daisy Corning Stone Spedden penned a story as a Christmas present for her young son, Douglas. Recently discovered in an attic by a family member, this charming children's story, told through the eyes of a young boy's toy bear, opens a new window on a vanished Edwardian way of life. It also contains an enthralling eyewitness account of the sinking of the Titanic- the disaster that continues to fascinate the world.

In my opinion, the best thing about this book is its charming illustrations. They are a delight.

It seems as if everything in life is connected by some strange cosmic force. Daisy Corning Spedden kept letters, diaries, photo albums of everything she and her husband Frederick, and little son Douglas, experienced. This story was never meant to be published! Polar the Steiff bear, was given to Douglas on the NYC docks by his Aunt as his family was boarding The Caronia ship on one of their many excursions. Douglas adored Polar and Polar was given his own clothes, furniture, and even his own Christmas tree! Polar tells the tale of the Spedden family's adventures and how he helped nurse Douglas back to health after a bout of the measles. After many trips around the world, how fortunate the Spedden family felt as The Normadic ship carried them out to the brand new Titanic...where they were to sail first class...
I won't spoil the story for you...but the ending is a happy one; if just for a moment...there are very few photos of the actual Titanic. If you are lucky enough to see a photo of a very young lad wearing knickers watching a spinning top; then you are indeed looking at the actual Douglas Spedden on the deck of the Titanic! This book is filled with excellent photos and illustrations. And the actual telegram the Speddens sent to realitives back in New York to let friends and family know that: "all safe on Carpathia." Not only is the reader given privledge to the private moments of a families' past but history as well. But a long life was not to be for young Douglas. Just three years after the sinking of the ship, Douglas was killed in a car accident near the family's summer camp in Maine. It was one of the first automobile accidents in the state! The Spedden's ancestor Leighton H. Coleman III, who we all have to thank for publishing this gem, sadly states in the epilogue that "No one knows what happened to Polar the bear." But the child in me says that he is resting eternally with Douglas, never to be seperated. This is a wonderful book that will remain timeless. Interesting enough to be read aloud to the tykes and so compelling that the adults in the family will proudly add this to their library. This is a must have for many types of collectors: Titanic, Steiff, Teddy bear, and book collectors. Do not let this one slip through your fingers. "Polar The Titanic Bear," is a keeper!!!

The detailsd. The inside the toyshop where Polar was bought. Everything was there. A zepplin by the A.C.Gilbert company. Dolls by Matel. The electric train by Ives. Today just one of those items in like new condition is worth tens of thousands of dollars. Loved every bit of it. A beautiful and detailed story about a time in America and the world that doesn't exists today.
Just Beautiful. I bought it because I am an ardent student of the Titanic and her times and a collector of classic toys.
'
George Romich Toystuff-49

What a beautiful book. The story of the Titanic through the eyes of a polar bear. Well written. My grandaughter took it to school and the teacher has now started a project all about the tragedy. Clear words that children of all ages will understand. A book that shows compassion . Would recommend to anyone.

Perfect for all ages. What a wonderful way of teaching youngsters about one of the worst sea disasters ever. At least with books like this one and others Titanic will always live in our hearts.