Pop-up book: Popeye with the Hag of the Seven Seas

American cartoonist Elzie Crisler Segar developed Thimble Theater, a series featuring Olive Oyl, Caster Oyl, and (later) Popeye, for the New York Journal in 1919. This beautifully illustrated pop-up book is one of several published by Pleasure Books in the 1930s that were inspired by comic strips.

Created by Elzie Crisler Segar (18941938)
Published by Pleasure Books
Chicago, IL, ca. 1935
Smithsonian Institution Libraries. PN6728 .T5S45 1935

Wall Stories: Children's Wallpapers and Books
On view: October 3, 2008April 5, 2009

This exhibition will explore the relationship between wallpapers and books created for children through works from the permanent collection and the National Design Library. From their beginning in the 1870s, children's wallpapers have been strongly influenced by literature and popular culture. Works on view will include papers illustrated with nursery rhymes and designs inspired by works of fiction and adventure, such as Peter Rabbit, Alice in Wonderland, and Cinderella. The exhibition also will trace the evolution of children's books from instructional to fictional and include developments such as movable and pop-up books, which added an interactive element to children's reading.

Wall Stories: Childrens Wallpaper and Books is made possible in part by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency. Additional support is provided in part by Esme Usdan, Margery and Edgar Masinter, The Liman Foundation and The Walt Disney Company