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Robert Lawson’s 1941 Caldecott-winner, They Were Strong and Good, is a biographically themed account of his grandparents and parents, not particularly important or famous Americans who, according to his account, were among the thousands who laid the foundations of this country. A sea captain, a preacher, a farm girl, a Civil War soldier…each ancestor’s story is a bit of the story of the USA. In recent years, the book has been criticised for avoiding a deeper view of Native and Enslaved peoples, each of whom are portrayed in characterized illustrations, but the artwork is typical Lawson: bold, intricate black and white line. A first edition, first printing in a VG dust jackcet with some wear at the corners. The book itself is in About Fine condition with light glue stains in the front and rear hinges, typical ly found in this title.