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!