Auctionet Special: Astrid Lindgren - Pippi Longstocking 80 years

Pippi Longstocking – the world’s strongest girl – turns 80! Hard to believe, but it was in November 1945 that Astrid Lindgren’s remarkable literary character first appeared on bookstore shelves. By then, Pippi had already been part of the bedtime stories told in Astrid Lindgren’s home. The author’s daughter, Karin (who, incidentally, came up with the name Pippi Longstocking), fell ill with pneumonia in the winter of 1941 and asked her mother to tell her a story. The rest is literary history – although this particular story began with the now world-famous children’s author being rejected by the Bonniers publishing house.

Now, the auction houses affiliated with Auctionet have joined forces to celebrate the eternally young 80-year-old with a themed auction that takes us straight into the whirlwind and joy of Villa Villekulla, the clashes with Dunder-Karlsson and Blom, the encounters with the overly proper Miss Prysselius (better known as “Prussiluskan”), and the South Seas adventures on Kurrekurredutt Island.

Among the highlights is a single lot featuring all 44 first editions of Astrid Lindgren’s collected works. Alongside these are no fewer than two examples of the Gustavsberg figurine Pippi, which has by now become something of a Swedish classic. Produced between 1967 and 1971, it is a prized collector’s item for both Pippi enthusiasts and admirers of Lisa Larson. Add to that more books, an autograph, and collector’s coins and gold bars that all pay tribute to the red-haired whirlwind.

A warm welcome to celebrate Pippi Longstocking’s 80th birthday!