Today’s book is Tales of Long Ago by Enid Blyton and illustrated by Anne and Janet Grahame Johnstone (on title page as Johnstone). This book, published in 1965, was a great favourite of mine. As well as being interested in costume I was really into myths and legends. This book is half stories from Ancient Greece and half stories from the Arabian Nights.
Last week I saw this article in The Guardian, Writers’ favourite classic book illustrations – in pictures and it reminded me of my childhood reading experience. We didn’t have a television during the period between me being five and twelve (ish) so I read – a lot.
I was read, and later read, the Narnia stories over and over again. I poured over Pauline Baynes’ delicate illustrations for hours. One year my nana gave me The Observers’ Book of European Costume illustrated by Pauline Baynes. (If anyone finds a copy with To Jill Love from Nana and Grandad inscribed in it it’s mine!). I’ve had a lifelong love of historical costume, and I think this was an early addition to my collection of costume books. I really like use of the two colours and the way the illustrations form a frieze. Published in 1975, the book starts at 1st century Roman and finishes at 1900 with a detailed 37-page glossary.
From Observer’s Book of European Costume illustrated by Pauline Baynes
I was going to talk about some other books and other illustrators, but I think I’ll leave it for later – so more later!
Three Wishes Books 