Dr. Seuss: A Beloved American Artist And Author

On March 2, 1904, Theodore Seuss Greisel was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, the son of a brewer in a family of German immigrants. An unbecoming entrance for a man who would go on to revolutionize the way generations of American school children learn to read. We take a closer look at the life and works of beloved American artist and author, Dr. Seuss.
Dr. Seuss began his career as an editorial cartoonist in the 1920s. He would soon expand and explore his creative potential through countless artistic mediums – from illustration and oil painting to animation and film production. Dr. Seuss first tried his hand at animated motion pictures during World War II. He was a member of the First Motion Picture Unit, or the FMPU. The FMPU was the Army’s primary film production unit made up entirely of industry professionals. The FMPU produced more than 400 propaganda and training videos, and Dr. Seuss was responsible for producing several short films – most notably, Design For Death, which later won the 1948 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Although Dr. Seuss published his first children’s book in 1937 (And to Think It Happened on Mulberry Street), it was his later books that captivated child and adult audiences alike. Of the many deeply cherished illustrations, that of The Cat in the Hat (1957), How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1957), and The Lorax (1971) were three pinnacle moments in Dr. Seuss’s career. These children’s books were not only influential during Dr. Seuss’s lifetime but also remain relevant in contemporary culture.

In 1957, The Cat in the Hat would prove to be the most influential reading tool for school-aged children. Born out of an argument over the literacy in early childhood and the effectiveness of traditional primers, or books used to teach children how to read, The Cat in the Hat would sell over one million copies in just three years. The Cat in the Hat, like so many of Dr. Seuss’s works, would stand the test of time. The book was adapted for an animated television special in 1971, and again for a live action film in 2003.

‘The Cat in the Hat,’ First Edition, Inside Front Cover

The same loving endurance can be said about The Lorax. Originally published in 1971, The Lorax is a fable detailing the dangers corporate greed poses to our environment. Of the book, Dr. Seuss once said, “The Lorax came out of me being angry. In The Lorax I was out to attack what I think are evil things and let the chips fall where they might.” In 2007, an online poll from the National Education Association named The Lorax one of its ‘Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children.’ The Lorax was made into an animated feature film in 2012, coinciding with Dr. Seuss’ 108th birthday. He died on September 24, 1991.

Although primarily remembered for his children’s books, Dr. Seuss was also a distinguished painter. Producing mainly surrealist oil paintings throughout his lifetime, Dr. Seuss drew inspiration from his own beloved characters. Namely, one can find various interpretations of his ‘Cat in the Hat’ littered throughout his painted works.

Theodore Seuss Greisel has an impressive record with over 44 children’s books, more than 400 World War II political cartoons, hundreds of advertisements, and countless editorials – Dr. Seuss continues to live on through his work. “Illustrator by day, Surrealist by night, Dr. Seuss created a body of irrepressible work…”, which defines Dr. Seuss as an iconic American artist.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.