Kids And Parents

Percy Muir B.T. in his book “English Children’s Books, 1600 to 1900″ published in 1954 marked such famous children book illustrators as Mary Belson, Kate Greenaway, Toby Teachem, Marshall and others great names wich played remakable role in art of illustration.

PERCY H. MUIR writes in the dediocation asressed to Edgar Oppenheimer:
My dear Oppenheimer,
It is fitting that this book should be dedicated to you for, apart from the constant
help and advice which you have given me since I began to write it, it is doubtful
whether, but for you, it would ever have been written at all. Let me explain how
this comes about.

In 1945 I was engaged in planning a publishing venture in which children’s books
were intended to figure very prominently. On my advice the collection of the late
F. R. Bussell was secured as a whole on its being offered at Sotheby’s auction rooms.
The first and only use to which it was put in this country was the Exhibition with
which the National Book League opened its doors at No. 7 Albemarle Street in May
1946. Most of the 1,001 exhibits came from the Bussell Collection.

The publishing venture came to naught; and the books were stored until 1949,
when a selection of them was sent on a touring exhibition in the United States.
Before they were sent to America I secured for my own collection of children’s toys
and games all that was suitable in it; and thereafter my interest in children’s books,
as such, flagged until it was reawakened by your own infectious enthusiasm, and
especially by the fortunate opportunity to see a part of your collection when I was
in New York.

Since then, partly I am happy to say at my instigation, you have acquired the
major portion of the Bussell Collection; and although the gaps caused by my incur­
sions have been remarked upon by you more than once, added to the riches that you
already possess the Bussell books make you the owner of by far the finest collection
in existence of children’s books of all nations.

This book does not presume to teach you anything; neither are its occasionally
controversial opinions intended to commit you to anything. It is no more than a
tribute and an offering to a great collector, and a very good friend.

Yours most sincerely,
PERCY H. MUIR

Takeley, 1953.
This book is very informative and filled perfect factual materials and no dough can be interesting for all book’s lovers.
As a matter of fact there are many books which are commonly regarded as “classic” children’s literature speaks on multiple levels and which are able to be enjoyed by both adults and children and here a good illustration has important role in understanding or interpretation of the text.
I’d like to write more but Bennie does not let me to do it. He wants to go out right now and he is asking me about. So I have to go.
Have a nice day.
(the illustration by Kate Greenaway)