Ordered some more Johnstone Books - Woohoo!

So today I ordered two more books illustrated by the Johnstone sisters! I've managed to find copies of Tales from Everywhere and Seven Rainbow Stories, to say I excited is an understatement, I am practically beaming. Each of their illustration is in it's own a masterpiece, so I can't wait to see what surprises are in store. I am also slowly whittling down my "priority" book list.

I'll keep you posted!

Dean's Gift Book of Fairy Tales - The Johnstone Sisters

Okay, so now I want to look at Dean's Gift Book of Fairy Tales illustrated by Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone. This book... I can't even express how important it is to me. It's probably one of the most well know books by the pair and if you search through google you will see a plethora of images.

 Cinderella

Remember in one of my first posts I said I love book exchanges? This book is the complete reason. When I was four or five years-old in the 90s, my mother and aunt would regularly go to this book exchange, right near the centre of town. It was in this old 70s building with a faint lime green tiles, big glass windows and doors. My mother promised I would be able to pick one book, any book I wanted, so while they were looking I came across a box on one of the many tables. I was absolutely smitten with the cover, I had never seen a book like that before, the illustrations just stopped me in my tracks. I ended up begging her to let me get it and since it was (for memory) only four or so dollars she couldn't say no. I've had it ever since. I went through stages of trying to replicate the illustrations; but now more than anything it's a book I pull out on rainy days. The old book exchange is no longer there, instead the tiny little mall has begun a junk shop, selling cheap clothing, shoes and foreign films, which is kind of sad.

This illustration from Babes in the Wood is probably one of my top 2 favourites in the book. I even drew my own version of this and gave it to a dear friend at one point.

This would be another favourite of mine as a child. From Sleeping Beauty. It just looks so magical.

The book features eight famous fairy tales from Tom Thumb to Hansel and Gretel. (Above) is an image from Puss in Boots, even all these years later the detail in these images still takes my breath away, just the finery of the costuming and details of both the humans and animals. I took this book to university once, as part of my children's literature course and the entire class fell in love with it as well, one other student also brought another book with her Anne's illustrations of Peter Pan. Which I'll share later.

This is the only variation of Aladdin where I have seen it set in Asia as opposed to the traditional Arabian Nights of the Middle-East.

Another stunning image, this one from Beauty and the Beast, if you have lost your copy or would like to buy a copy of this book, that is easily purchasable on Amazon/Ebay, the ISBN is: 603 07501 0

Thanks for stopping by!

The Orchard Book of Stories from the Ballet - Angela Barrett

Hi all!

I bought this book recently, I like to buy books with lovely illustrations and wonderful stories, so this one appealed to me immensely. As I've said before I love ballet, I love theatre, and most of all I love folk and fairy tales. The Orchard Book of Stories from the Ballet was first published in 1994, however my copy is the 2003 edition and is written by Gerald McCaughrean. As far as I am aware, beyond the cover art, the editions are identical. The ISBN is 1 8362 298 X. Orchard do many educational books, that are very much similar to Osborne books, although I must admit I still prefer Osborne's abounding range.

                                Angela Barrett's illustrations from outset are incredible.

Love this image of the sun glistening across the water in Swan Lake.

Coppelia

Ultimately, the book ten ballet stories including Romeo and Juliet, La Sylphide and Petrouchka.

A very haunting image from Gisele.

 Have I mentioned how much I love The Nutcracker?!

This image from The Firebird is probably my favourite in the entire book. If you love her illustrations I would suggest you check out her illustrations in Josephine Poole's picture book Anne Frank. Very moving.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Big Golden Book of Fairy Tales - Illustrated by Beverlie Manson

Hi all,

You may wonder what has kept me from you for such a long time. Three words. Second. Year. Uni. Sigh. I wish I were more present this year, almost half of it has already gone by, I'll definitely have to sort myself out and become more present with my blog updates! But I am sure you understand how life can be.

Today I am going to share with you another book by illustrated by Beverlie Manson and written by Lorne Leete-Hodge. It's The Big Golden Book of Fairy Tales published first in 1978 and then republished in 1981. In case anyone has lost their copy or would like to purchase one online the ISBN is: 0-307-95545-1

I found pictures of this fairy tale collection online and was really loving the illustrations. After that I spent a few weeks trying to track down the books info, so I could buy one. And now for the important stuff!

In terms of styling, I felt like this collection was the most Manson's work has ever reflected the work of the Johnstone sisters, I felt like her later work wasn't nearly as detailed. As you will see if you go back to this entry: http://magicalvintagechildrensbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/beverlie-manson-johnstone-sisters.html

I am not saying her modern work isn't beautiful; but it just seems very different compared with this.

The book houses stories such as The Emperor's New Clothes, Snow White and Rose Red, Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin,  The Ugly Ducking, [Goldilocks and] the Three Bears, The Little Fir Tree, The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, The Golden Goose and Jack and the Beanstalk.

I must admit it was nice to one that contained some of the lesser known fairy tales too. Like Snow White and Rose Red (above.)

I adore the flamboyants of the emperor's costume!

This is probably one of my favourite illustrations in the entire book of the queen for Rumpelstiltskin. I like the way Manson illustrated the candle and as hard as it may be to see in the photo, her hair is almost glowing gold. Stunning.

This illustration from The Little Fir Tree is a great example of the Victorian era. I really love that time period. I am tempted to get this scene put in a frame.

The Sleeping Beauty

 I thought that it was interesting Manson chose to illustrate her with dark hair, which is something you scarcely see.

How gorgeous is this iconic scene from Cinderella?

Thanks for stopping by!