Rab and His Friends pictured by John R. Neill

Rab and His Friends is a short story written by Dr. John Brown, first published in 1859. It's a touching narrative centered around the deep bond between a man and his dog, Rab. Dr. Brown was a Scottish physician and author, known for his tender depictions of both human and animal relationships.

History

The story originally appeared in the North British Review and gained immediate popularity, becoming one of Brown’s most enduring works. It is set in Edinburgh and reflects Brown's experience as a doctor, offering insight into 19th-century medical practices.

Synopsis

The story revolves around a simple but powerful plot. Rab, a large and loyal mastiff, belongs to James Noble, a humble horse-cart driver. Rab becomes entangled in the lives of Dr. John and his young wife Ailie, who is suffering from a terminal illness. The narrative follows Ailie's treatment and the companionship between Rab and his owner James, highlighting themes of loyalty, love, and grief. The dog, Rab, is portrayed as a stoic figure of strength throughout, mirroring the emotional weight of the humans around him.

Interesting Facts

• Rab and His Friends was widely reprinted and adapted into various formats, including plays and audio performances, due to its popularity.
• John R. Neill, who illustrated this edition, is famous for his work on The Oz series. His illustrations add a unique dimension to this story, known for their whimsical and fantastical style, even though Rab and His Friends is a rather somber and realistic tale.
• The story was often used in schools to teach moral lessons about kindness, loyalty, and dealing with loss.

This blend of medical realism with deep emotional tenderness makes it a memorable work in Victorian literature.