The Tale of the Faithful Dove

The Tale of the Faithful Dove'' (orThe Faithful Dove'') is a children's book written by BeatrIX Potter in Hastings in 1907 for her publisher's children. The tale tells of a pigeon trapped in a chimney and kept company by dancing mice dressed in lace. Her mate, Mr. Tidler, stands devotedly by until she is freed with her newly hatched son. The plot was based on fact and originated in Dover or Folkestone and was set in Rye and Winchelsea. The manuscript was sent with another to Harold Warne in 1908 but set aside. In December 1918, Fruing Warne discovered the manuscript and pressed Potter for its publication. She deferred, claiming the book was "too much pigeon" and offered little variety for illustration. She had never been good at drawing birds and suggested Archibald Thorburn, the Scottish bird illustrator, for the job. She remained adamant AbOUT not participating in the book's publication. It was first published by Frederick Warne & Co. in 1955, and was first illustrated by Marie Angel for the Warne EDition of 1970.