Monday 30 January 2012

Newly Catalogued



I've been buying a lot of new stock recently and thought you might enjoy a sneak preview.


Sweeny's Adventure written by Joseph Krumgold and told by John Kieran. The story is based on the motion picture 'Sweeney Steps out'. Sweeney and Bombo a little toy elephant have quite a time of it on a visit to the Bronx Zoo. I was immediately attracted to the Tibor Gergely artwork on the cover. The colour illustrations inside are also by Tibor Gergely. Now sold, thank you for your interest.




These Lilliput magazines came from a flea market held at the Bath & West Showground. Each and every time I buy magazines I swear it will be the last time, there is so much work involved in listing them - but honestly, how could I leave these behind? Each magazine contains a compilation of stories, poems, articles, cartoons and photographs (some a little risqué). I will be featuring more of these in a week or two, once they are all listed. All sold, thank you for your interest.

I love vintage sheet music especially when it has a great front cover like this. Can't you just hear Woody Woodpecker singing ha ha ha ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha, that's the Wood-y Wood-peck-er song? The two female woodpeckers certainly appear to be enjoying the attention!
I've bought several pieces of sheet music this month but Woody Woodpecker and the teddy bear's picnic are my favourites.
Sadly, the teddy bear’s picnic is incomplete, the seller failed to tell me the centre page was missing. It's too pretty to throw away so I've listed it with a note about condition. The teddy bear's picnic and Woody Woodpecker are now sold, thank you for your interest.



This very different looking edition of Alice through the looking glass was purchased from a bookseller’s catalogue.

It's a centenary edition prepared by the Lewis Carroll Society, with text that has never appeared in precisely this form. It is basically the 1897 edition, the last which Lewis Carroll himself corrected, but also includes all Carroll's corrections for the People's Edition of 1887, which were somehow overlooked in the preparation of the final text. There are forty remarkable drawings by Ralph Steadman; the White Knight bears a striking resemblance to the familiar photographs of Lewis Carroll himself. Now sold, thanks for looking. 






I hope you've enjoyed this quick preview.


Update July 2016: March House books closed on my retirement in 2015, but I do still blog here at March of Time Books and always appreciate your visit. 

Saturday 28 January 2012

Snowdrops and Flower Fairies

Snowdrops in our garden January, 2012

The Snowdrop fairy in flower fairies of the spring by Cicely Mary Barker Deep sleeps the winter, cold, wet, and grey; surely all the world is dead; spring is far away.  Wait! the world shall waken; it is not dead, for lo, the Fair Maids of February stand in the snow! 

Snowdrops and children on the front cover of the Snowdrop story book

The Snowdrop Story Book is now sold, thank you for your interest. 

Do you have snowdrops or fairies (or both) at the bottom of your garden?


Thursday 26 January 2012

Added Value; Book inscriptions - Baz from Colliwobbles

Widdershins Crescent

Many of the books that come into stock contain personal dedications. Often, these are simple to/from messages but sometimes the dedication offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the book.




To Baz from an everlasting pal Colliwobbles. 14th April 1969.

I would love to know if Baz and Colliwobbles are still friends. I would also love to know how Colliwobbles got his nickname. If only books could talk!

Do you have a nickname? Is it one you would be willing to share?

Monday 23 January 2012

Cover art; A selection of Children's Annuals 1950 to 1983

To view last week's post 1883 to 1953 click here




Gracie Fields Gay Street Book 1950 twelve stories including good dog tinker by Enid Blyton, a first class brownie by D E Booth, nature ramble’s with Hedgerow Joe and police message by T. Holloway. Black and white photo frontis of Gracie Fields plus colour plates. The Tip Top Book 1954 first story the land of the other way round, other stories include one good turn and dead-eye Dave. Also picture strip stories including happy Bob Harriday, dreamy Dennis and sailor Bill Barrett. Radio Fun Annual 1956 enjoy a laugh with Norman Wisdom, Arthur Askey, Jimmy Durante and other favourite stars of radio and TV. Playways Annual 1963 several stories about the Golly boys, little Brown Bear stories told and drawn by Chris Temple,Wiggles and Woggles by Eunice Close and hidey-hole a story by Enid Blyton. All sold, thank you for your interest.




The Dandy Book 1969 Desperate Dan, Corporal Clott, Korky the Cat, the Smasher and many other favourites in this 1969 annual. Princess Gift Book for girls 1970 picture strip stories including the trolls, Barbie the model girl, school in the sun and Candy and Mandy also features, poems and short stories. Charlie Chaplin Annual 1974 collection of stories together with black and white film stills and colour cartoons. The Sparky Book 1975 Hungry Horace, Keyhole Kate, Pansy Potter, the Two Klankys, Ali's Baba and other favourites. All sold, thank you for your interest.




Woody Woodpecker Annual 1976 picture strip stories in colour. Peanuts Annual 1979 more colourful picture strips featuring Charlie Brown, Linus and Snoopy. The Secret Seven Annual 1980; the third Secret Seven annual – "puzzle for the Secret Seven" told in both text and picture strip, with projects, puzzles and quizzes. Battle Annual 1983; numerous picture strip stories including Charley's war, clash of the guards, the commando they didn't want, and Johnny Red. All sold, thank you for your interest.

I hope you've enjoyed this trip down memory lane.  It brought back lots of memories for me – my dad’s love of Norman Wisdom and Charlie Chaplin. My son watching Woody Woodpecker and Peanuts cartoons on TV, and my husband’s fondness for comic books like Commando and battle. I grew up with the Daily Mail annuals, Playbox and the Tip Top books and remember them with a great deal of affection.

I hope these bring back happy memories for you.  

Friday 20 January 2012

Miss Pickle the story of an Australian boarding-school by Constance Mackness

Speech Day came and went, a day of bustle and excitement. What a crowd there was in the big school hall! Parents and friends filled it to overflowing; they lined the corridor at its far end and crowded the front stairs, and peeped in through the glass doors that were opened wide. To make more room, every minister that appeared was put on the platform with the members of the College Council. As one was escorted up, Lola's heart gave a great jump of joy - her father had come to see her take the dux medal! The winner of the Special Music Prize played, the winner of the Elocution Prize recited, the Doctor read his annual report, somebody made a long speech, the girls stood up in their white frocks and red ribbons and sang.

I wanted to share this with you because the covers are so pretty.

Miss. Pickle Pg. 272
By Constance Mackness, 1933.

Miss. Pickle is now sold, thank you for your interest.

To the sweetest of sweet valentines

I fill this cup to one made up of loveliness alone
To dear little Mooie with lots of love and xxxxxxxxxxxxxxfrom ______?

Love-In-A-Mist Rene Cloke Postcard


Oh dear! Something went wrong – this post was scheduled for the 13th February but for some reason it’s already posted. Happy (very early) Valentine’s day!

Monday 16 January 2012

Cover Art; A selection of children's annuals; 1883 to 1983

This week part one; from 1883 to 1953. Next week part two; from 1950 to 1983







Peter Parley's Annual 1883 eight 'odd dog tales’ including His Majesty’s dog, the engine-driver’s dog and nobody’s dog. Louis Wain's Annual 1901 black and white cat illustrations by Louis Wain together with lots of cat stories including not about cats by Harold Tremayne and the wail of a cat by Frank T Bullen. Puck Annual 1923 with colour plates and black/white illustrations by S J Cash, Warwick Reynolds and others. Four Robin Hood stories, two school stories, picture stories and puzzles. The Children's Companion Annual 1923 interesting mix of stories and articles including Scout Island by Ethel Talbot, running the rapids by W. A. Buchanan and the school burglar by Mary Shrewsbury. 




Blackie's Girls Annual 1929 huge selection of stories and poems with numerous authors and illustrators. One illustrator of note is Florence Harrison. Bobby Bear's Annual 1937 the cave in the cliff by Joan Lumley and the giant's companion by Nellie Finn are just two of the stories in this super annual. Illustrations by Joyce Plumstead, Gordon Robinson and Helen Jacobs. Sunbeam Annual 1939 numerous stories including the wizard who forgot by Muriel Jenkins and not wanted in the village by Primrose Cumming, also colour and black/white picture strips. Rainbow Annual 1942 first story - Porky's hamper, other stories include - the old sedan chair, Big Chief Greedy, the two pickles, aboard the Black Scuttle and Prince Ping-Pong-Poo. 




Mickey Mouse Annual 1944 lots of fun with Mickey, Minnie and Pluto Daily Mail Annual 1951 lots of stories including the pantomime goose by Noel Streatfeild, Flapdoodle and Bunkum by Nancy Catford, Light-fingers by Francis Durbridge, lost stolen or strayed illustrated by Trog and the little girl who cried by Enid Blyton. Lawson Wood's Annual 1952 first story - Mrs. Tabby's trip, other stories include - Old Salt Gran'pop, poor Pelly Pelican, the island mystery and Gran'pop at Christmas. Playbox Annual 1953 stories and picture strips including Minstrel Boys, Robin Hood, the bruin Boys, Specs and Spots and Darkie Duckling.

One hundred years of cover art starting with the delightful Peter Parley annual published in 1883 and ending with the Battle annual published in 1983 (see next weeks post). The covers themselves say much about the changing nature of childhood; the children’s companion published in 1923 portrays two children at the beach dressed in their Sunday best, contrast that with the Secret Seven annual published in 1980 (see next weeks post) were the children are dressed in comfy jeans and T-shirts. Less than 60 years separate these two publications but they are worlds apart.

Did you read annuals as a child? Do you recognise any of these from your childhood? Was there a particular book that started you reading? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Update July 2016: All the books featured are now sold. March House books closed on my retirement in 2015, but I am still happily blogging here at March of Time Books. Your visits are always appreciated.

Saturday 14 January 2012

Liebster

Fellow blogger Darlene awarded my blog the Liebster Blog Award, thank you Darlene, what a lovely way to start the new year! I hope you will all check out Darlene Foster’s blog – you won’t be disappointed. Liebster is German for dearest, beloved or favourite - how nice is that - it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy! 
The rules say to pass the award along to five of your favourite blogs each with less than 200 followers, so here goes.

Sharon's Sunlit Memories I love everything about this blog!  After visiting a few times I decided to start a paper doll collection if you click on the link you will understand why. I don’t have many paper dolls in my collection yet but I'm working on it.

Fantastic Reads A  blog for anyone with an interest in children's literature.

The Children's war blogspot  A journal about historical fiction and non-fiction for children and teenagers set in and around World War II.

Always Crave Cute A really pretty blog with lots of wonderful photographs and interesting posts. Diane also has an Etsy shop where she sells vintage children's books and handmade items.

Books Kids Like Dedicated to sharing great children’s fiction, old and new.

I’ve chosen five blogs that are in some way connected with children’s books but would like to give one further award to Donna at Believe in Yourself. Donna writes about all kinds of interesting and thought provoking things, I hope you will pay her a visit.

Enjoy the links and remember to pass the award along (if you wish).

Happy blogging!

Friday 13 January 2012

Added Value; Book inscriptions - to Karolinka Carolyn - The three little sisters

The Three Little Sisters

Many of the books that come into stock contain personal dedications. Often, these are simple to/from messages but sometimes the dedication offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the book.


To Karolinka Carolyn - who can pick flowers, and dance a little, too. Birthday Greetings from the Major. 1st January, 1944.

Something about that note makes me smile each time I read it. I have no idea who Karolinka Carolyn is, I don’t know what her relationship to ‘the major’ is or was, but it doesn't matter. The message speaks volumes.

Further Details here; The three little sisters a story from Poland by Lucyna Krzemieniecka

Have you ever found a book with a sad, sweet or funny dedication?

Wednesday 11 January 2012

The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss with illustrations by Harry Rountree

Already the storm had continued six days; on the seventh its fury seemed still increasing; and the morning dawned upon us without a prospect of hope, for no one on board even knew where we were. My four boys clung to me in their fright, while my wife wiped the tears from her cheeks. At this moment a cry of "land, land!" was heard through the roaring of the waves, and instantly the vessel struck against a rock so violently as to drive every one from his place; a tremendous cracking succeeded, as if the ship was going to pieces. I hurried on deck, and saw a terrible sight the crew had crowded into the boats till there was no room for us, and even as I appeared they cut the ropes to move off.

The Swiss Family Robinson Pg 1
Illustrated by Harry Rountree
This book is now sold, to find others like it please visit our website.

Monday 9 January 2012

How do you feel about inscriptions, colouring and other marks in books?


The Laughing hour is a sweet little book in less than perfect condition. This is a short précis from my website;

A collection of beautifully illustrated stories and poems. Covers rubbed and chipped at edges, spine frayed at ends. Lots of finger marks, previous owner’s name, several black-and-white drawings have been neatly coloured. A very pretty book that has been well loved.

So, if you were me would you offer it for sale?  What about the finger marks, the colouring and the previous owner’s name?






I love finding previous ownership marks and don’t mind the odd bit of colouring, if it’s done neatly (as this is), but lots of collectors wouldn’t dream of adding a book in this condition to their collection.

As far as I’m concerned inscriptions, notes and drawings show that a book has a story of its own, it shows how books are given, passed on or discarded and then perhaps loved by someone else.

If the The laughing hour could speak I think it would say something like this;


I used to belong to a little boy called Paddy McAlpine, Paddy spent hours with his pens and pencils carefully colouring my pages. He liked two of my poems very much - one was about a beetle and the other about a robin. Paddy read me over and over again but when he grew up his mummy gave me away, and now I'm looking for a new home.



I know the little boys name was Paddy McAlpine because he wrote it in the front of his book, I assume he liked colouring (although it could have been done by his mummy or someone else).  My reason for thinking Paddy liked the two poems is because those two pages are heavily finger marked and the binding is pulled, suggesting the book was repeatedly opened at the same pages. This is a well-loved book in need of a new home -a case of recycling at its best!

Do you keep books that belonged to your parents, grandparents or grown-up children so that you can pass them on to the next generation? Would you still keep them if they were in poor condition?

How do you feel about previous ownership marks - love them or hate them?

The laughing hour is now sold. I'm so happy this sweet little book has a nice new home where it will be loved. 

Friday 6 January 2012

Added value; Things found in books - the Ro-Tally

Whatever you're knitting - Milward Ro-Tally knitting register keeps count of your rows and makes accurate knitting easy.

How Ro-tally helps you.
1. Keeps count of the rows - keeps a tally as you knit.
2. Ensures accurate shaping
3. "Remembers" when to inc. and dec.
4. Checks the patterns and simplifies intricate designs.
5. Counts from 0 to 99.
6. Fits all needle sizes 6-14 inclusive



Does anyone still use these? I can remember my mum knitting school jumpers for my brother, sister and I using a 'ro-tally' to count the rows. But I had no idea what it was called until I found this card in

School Stories for Girls is now sold, thank you for your interest.