The Last Flower: A Parable in Pictures

Definetely, a great Anti-War book. But I was shocked to read some fo the comments on the cover of the book made by well respected, newspaper people, referring to this great, sad, very sad and truthful book, as "witty and hilarious"; "one of the funniest books of the year"; "most original and humorous writer living". There is not one, not even one funny thing in this book, but horror and tragedy and misery and darkness, all men made maladies being repeated over and over and over again. Nothing funny about it. I find it hard to believe that the writer, who was sensitive enough to write this great book, actually agreed to have such despicable comments about his book to be printed on his great book.

I have wanted to get this book for many years now. I read it while going to college. It is a story that has been in my memory for a very long time. It was a shock for me to see (after I read it) that it is much longer than I remember it to be, even though it is short as books go. It is a sad story. Let's hope that things don't work out the way that Mr. Thurber tells us they will. But maybe that's the whole idea: for us to read THE LAST FLOWER, then make sure that its ending doesn't happen. So, everyone, buy the book, and you can help out.

This treasure of humanity was practically a Bible and also a constant "coffee table" book in our household when I was growing up in the late 50's and 60's. This is one of those rarest of books that will simultaneously break your heart and make your spirit soar. It only offers (see Thurber's dedication to his daughter) "a wistful hope" - but it will inspire you to nurture every ounce of genuine hopefulness you can muster.

This book had the most impact on my 1940s and '50s childhood. I grew up with it, looked at it time after time, pondered it, felt it. Who said "A picture speaks a thousand words"? James Thurber had a wonderful silent way of reaching the heart. I recommend this book to all parents with children, and to all grown-ups. Of everything I have ever read or seen, this is my #1 book of all time! Please have it out on your table always!

E. B. White thought this was Thurber's best book I agree that it is among the best. Written for his young daughter, it is an anti-war book of the right sort, emphasizing both the inescapability of war hostility and the devastation war causes. It is a perfect book for an adult to read to a thoughtful child--or for any adult to read in any circumstance. The line drawings (cartoons is not quite the word for Thurber's unique visions) are simple and eloquent throughout. The book was prescient when it appeared just at the outset of WWII. The story ends with hope symolized by the one surviving flower that may restore happiness and beauty to the world. It is the flower we still enjoy contemplating, sixty years after Thurber drew it.