Pocket Sized Wonders - The World Of Ladybird Books
I started collecting vintage Ladybird books a couple of years ago now. It probably started with accidentally finding a copy of one I had read to me when I was little. The Red Book Of Bedtime Stories. The second I saw that book again, I remembered what illustrations I would see inside. I could hear the verses of my favourite story , 'Sammy & The Whale', just as my parents had read them to me. Now, this is by no means one of the oldest Ladybird titles, and not typically regarded as being one of the 'best loved', but it has stayed with me all the same. I felt the same rush of nostalgia when I found a copy of 'The Snow Queen'. I had read this in my school years. This was a later 'Well - Loved Tales' title, published in the 1980's. The illustrations in these later copies were notably different from the typical (and much admired) illustration seen in the original series of 'Well- Loved Tales', but I liked it all the same.
So, what makes Ladybird books so memorable for people who read them as a child, and so desired by collectors? I can safely say that I hear many different reasons for loving them. Illustration, story or memory. What's your reason? I love to see customers finding the book that they never thought they would see again, or completing a series in a collection.
Since the first title was printed in 1940, many hundreds of different books have been issued.
This was made possible by the use of a standard format ( 56 pages), meaning that one book could be made from a single sheet of 40" x 30" paper. Genius! In 1965, the use of a dust jacket was stopped, which also saved on production cost. I'm sure you will know that the original matte covers slowly evolved in to the shiny covers, which were commonly used from the early 1980's.
Of course, with these changes, Ladybird could still produce beautiful, popular books - They could just sell them an affordable price too!
Of all the different series' that Ladybird released, I couldn't pick an overall favourite. Fictional or educational, these are timeless books that should be cherished today and in to the future. Having said that, have a peek below at some lovely popular ones!
Well - Loved Tales, Series 606d.
There were 32 titles in this series, published between 1940 & 1980. The original prints have unmistakably beautiful illustration, inside and out. Did you read them?
Rumpelstiltskin was a horrid little man you know.
I just loved the cover of Snow White & Rose Red. Sadly there is no picture to be had from shop stock, as gladly, it went to a very good home.
We even have doubles of some of these titles in the shop - It's all so we can make two collectors happy (not because I really must make a list so that when I hunt, I know what I already have!)
'Learn-About' Books - Series 634
Ok, so I can't settle on a favourite series, but I do love a factual book. Especially if it has something to make in it! Some titles originally printed in other series' eventually made it to this range of books too. Here are just a few from the J&G collection.
Series 633 - Hobbies & Interests
Did I mention I like the ones with things to make!? These books were fab. I am sure you have seen the Things To Make cover - now used by Ladybird on retro inspired merchandising. Why not make some stilts after you have finished your two tins of beans? I suspect that I am not the only one to present my Mum with a 'vase' with shells squashed in to some clay on the outside of it!
The Garden Gang - By Jayne Fisher
I must admit, I am always surprised that these books are remembered by so many people who visit Junk & Gems. There were not many titles in relation to some other series'. Perhaps it comes from the unusual illustration, and the fact they were popular in schools. Jayne was just 9 when the first of her books was published in 1979. The stories and illustrations were all her own. There are 12 in all.
'How It Works' - Series 654
There is a certain excitement that is induced by selecting one of these titles from the shelf. Wonderful illustration accompanies fascinating facts - explained in a way that appeals to both children and adults alike.
14 titles were released in this range. One of which, The Computer, was reportedly printed in a plain cover format as a training manual for The Ministry Of Defence. No such copy has ever been found (or declared found), but it existence has been confirmed by Ladybird themselves.
I just can't help being drawn to these wonderful books, and recently I purchased the Ladybird collectors book of postcards. The postcards are of cover pictures from some popular titles. You get 100 of them! I am going to frame them and put them somewhere I can look at them everyday. I can totally recommend it as a bargain purchase.
Here is a picture......
We currently have over 300 Ladybird titles for sale in the Junk & Gems shop. Lots of these are also available for purchase on the website. One you won't find is The Red Book Of Bedtime Stories. I only have one copy of this , and it is at home on my bookshelf.
Thanks for reading this long and indulgent post. It is excusable as it is a first on the revamped blog site, I'm sure.
No comments:
Post a Comment