René Guillot

René Guillot (1900-1969) was a French writer. He taught mathematics in Dakar, in Senegal, where he taught for over 20 years.  He travelled throughout the country during this time, and set many of his stories there.   He wrote widely for children and adults, and in 1964, received the Hans Christian Andersen Award, which is presented to an author whose “complete works have made a lasting contribution to children’s literature.”

He wrote two books about horses:  The Wild White Stallion, set in the Camargue, and Riders of the Wind,    The Wild White Stallion was based on the film Crin Blanc (White Mane), a short (47 minute) film directed by Albert Lamorisse and released in 1953.  The film is available, with The Red Balloon, on DVD and Blu-Ray. The DVD is Region 2 (though there is a Region 1 version) but the Blu-Ray is Region Free.

Finding the books:  The Wild White Stallion is reasonably easy to find in hardback, though prices do vary.  It is very easy to find in its British paperback translation.  The American edition is usually ex library, but not impossible to find.

Sources and Links:

Hans Christian Andersen Award

Wikipedia Article

A biographical snippet

More on Crin Blanc here and here, and a still here.   Clips from the film can be seen here and here.

Crin-Blanc (The Wild White Stallion)

Crin Blanc: Hachette, Paris, 1959

George Harrap & Sons, London, 1961. Trans Gwen Marsh, illus Jean Reschofsky.  159 pp.
Crin-blanc, Harrap, London, 1961.  Adapted & abridged J R Watson, 90 pp. Reprinted 1981.

Franklin Watts, New York, 1961

Beaver Books, London, pb, 1978

There are many translations in other languages too.

Folco first sees White Crest as a foal, who very soon meets difficulties after his mother is stolen
from the herd.  Folco believes he has been given White Crest by the rancher after he fails to catch
him, but owning a wild Carmargue stallion is not easy.

Bibliography - pony books only

Les Cavaliers du Vent (Riders of the Wind)

Les Cavaliers du Vent: Editions Magnards, Paris, illus J de la Fontinelle, 207 pp.

Methuen, London, 1960. Trans George H Bell, illus Richard Kennedy.  (Left)

Rand McNally, Chicago, 1961.  Trans George H Bell, 174 pp.

White Lion, London, 1975, 190 pp. (Right)

Calvi, a native of Nantes journeys to Africa.  “Through Riders of the Wind run two haunting
themes - the legend of the white mare.... Into which fate draws Calvi; and the wind - the gentle
wind of the river and the tormenting, tormented wind of the desert.”