Robert Hartman

Jane Badger Books

Robert Hartman

Robert Hartman wrote the Buffin series, of which one can be called a horse book. The series consists of charming short stories, illustrated in colour by the artist, about Mr Buffin and his various adventures. Dating the series is very difficult: the British Library has what I think are later printings, as some of the series were certainly in existence in the 1930s. The books were reprinted several times. There are 24 books in the series. Many thanks to David Dandy for supplying the missing title, Mr Buffin and Wellington.

Finding the book: not easy to find in any edition, particularly with a dustjacket.

Sources and links:
Photographs of the Mr Buffin series

Mr Buffin and his Grey Mare

Arthur Barker Ltd, London, 1937

Possibly published in 1945 by W & A K Johnston, London & Edinburgh

Arthur Barker Ltd, London, 30 pp. 1957 Illus the author. (right)

Mr Buffin is fond of riding, and has a well behaved grey mare called Violet.

They usually go to church on Sunday, but one Sunday, Mr Buffin takes
Violet for a ride instead, and she takes grave exception to that.

Bibliography - pony books in English translation only

The Mr Buffin Series

Mr Buffin and Fluff Rabbit

Shut-Eye and the Weathercock

Fitz Roy and Moley

Nosy and the Slipper

Ink and the Milk

Mr Buffin and his Grey Mare

Bobby Robin and the Worm

Mr Buffin and Wellington

Mo’s Adventure

Wakeful Comes to Stay

Mr Buffin and Mr Crikey

Mr Buffin and Harold Trotter

Mr Buffin and his Geese

Mr Buffin Buys a Goat

Mr Buffin Takes to Farming

Lucky Will’s Lucky Escape

Mr Buffin and Young Edmund

Mr Buffin’s Holiday with Mildred

Mr Buffin and Eric Hampole

Mr Buffin and Ruff and Tumble

Mr Buffins’ Visitor

Mr Buffin in Trouble

Mr Buffin at the Sea-side

Mr Buffin’s Poultry Farm