Widely acclaimed as the first modern dog story, A Dog of Flanders has been a perennial favorite of children and adults since its original publication in 1872. The work of Marie Louise de la Ramie (1839-1908), an Englishwoman of French" extraction who published many popular romantic novels (such as Under Two Flags) under the pen name "Ouida," A Dog of Flanders is an exceptional example of sentimental literature, a genre in which realism and credibility are subordinate to grand emotional tragedy.

Marie Louise de la Ram6e (1839-1908) wrote many popular novels of adventure and romance in the 1870s and 1880s under the pen name of Ouida, among them such well-known works as Under Two Flags and Held in Bondage. She also produced a number of captivating stories for youngsters. One of the best, A Dog of Flanders, is presented in this handsome new edition--complete, unabridged and newly set in large, easy-to-read type with six original black-and-white illustrations by Harriet Golden.

First published in 1872, A Dog of Flanders tells the moving story of Nello, a gentle boy with aspirations of becoming a painter, and Patrasche--his devoted Belgian work dog. The two, along with Nello"s grandfather, live in a little village near Antwerp where Nello"s idol, the artist Rubens, once worked. Nello and Patrasche suffer countless hardships--poverty, hunger, cruelty and rejection. But (hey persevere in the face of adversity, up to their tragic, bittersweet end.

Rich in the sentiment of its Romantic tradition, yet convincing in its portrayal of both human and animal nature, this touching classic has tugged at the heartstrings of readers and listeners alike for generations. It remains one of the 19th century"s most imaginative and arresting works of fiction for children.

Thus it was that these two first met--the

 little Nello and the big Patrasche.

Yet he was grateful and content

On a clean smooth slab of pine wood the

 boy Nello drew their likeness with a

 stick of charcoal

Nello left it, as enjoined, at the doors of

 a public building

"Patrasche found the money to-night," he

 said quickly.

"I have seen them at last!" he cried aloud.

 "0 God, it is enough!"