A Book of Boys' Stories Blackie 1940s Illustrated H M Brock
 
Bibliographical Details
Title: A Book of Boys' Stories
Authors: A collection of stories by J. J. Quin, John Lea, George Surrey, Percy F. Westerman, Wilfrid Robertson, A. W. Strachan, J. D. Westwood, M. S. Tustin, J. G. Fyfe, W. K. Holmes, F. S. Blomfield, and M. E. Buckingham.
Stories Included:
Ken Stanton by J. J. Quin
The Shadow on the Reeds by John Lea
Big Foot by George Surrey
Martingale's Move by Percy F. Westerman
Retreat by Wilfrid Robertson
The Black Leopard by A. W. Strachan
The Grand Duke by J. D. Westwood
The Dragon's Maw by M. S. Tustin
The Linguister by J. G. Fyfe
The Bridge by W. K. Holmes
He Who Laughs Last by F. S. Blomfield
Gallant Gentlemen by George Surrey
The Cat That Smelt Fire by M. E. Buckingham
Illustrators: H. M. Brock, Kebble-Smith, C. P. Shilton, Reginald Cleaver, D. C. Eules, Philip Simmonds, L. R. Brightwell, Lance Cattermole, Leonard Potts, Gale, Rowland Hilder, Ellis Silas, Savile Lumley and others.
Publisher and Printer: Blackie & Son Limited.
Place of Publication: 66 Chandos Place, London and 17 Stanhope Street, Glasgow.
Date: Circa 1941–1949.
Edition: Undated wartime or immediate post-war edition. No first edition statement is present.
Special Features: Colour frontispiece, four illustrated plates and numerous illustrations throughout. All plates and illustrations checked present.
 
Historical & Bibliographical Context
A Book of Boys' Stories is a charming illustrated children's anthology published by Blackie & Son, one of Britain's leading publishers of children's and educational books. Dating can be placed to circa 1941-1949, based on the publisher's 66 Chandos Place address following the destruction of its Old Bailey premises during the Blitz, together with the Book Production War Economy Standard notice, indicating wartime or immediate post-war manufacture.
The volume brings together adventure, mystery and school stories illustrated by a distinguished group of British artists, including H. M. Brock, Rowland Hilder, Reginald Cleaver, Lance Cattermole, L. R. Brightwell and Savile Lumley, all well-known illustrators of the period.
Complete copies retaining the original binding, colour frontispiece and all illustrations are increasingly desirable, as children's books were often heavily read and discarded.
 
About the Illustrators
The volume benefits from the contribution of several recognised British illustrators.
H. M. Brock (1875–1960) was a prolific illustrator best known for his work on classic literature and children's books, including illustrations for works by authors such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. His involvement adds particular interest for collectors.
Rowland Hilder (1905–1993) was a highly regarded artist and illustrator, especially known for his atmospheric landscapes and contributions to children's publishing.
Reginald Cleaver (1870–1954) produced numerous illustrations for children's books and adventure stories.
Lance Cattermole (1893–1981) was a prolific illustrator of children's and adventure literature.
Savile Lumley (1876–1949) was known for his illustrations, posters and patriotic artwork.
Together, these artists make the volume more appealing than a typical anonymous children's anthology.
 
Binding & Exterior
No dust jacket.
Bound with a cloth spine and pictorial paper-covered front board, with black lettering to the spine. The front illustration depicts a mounted cowboy scene, reflecting the adventure themes typical of boys' literature of the period.
The binding remains intact and robust. Condition issues include light rubbing, particularly around the edges, small tears to the paper covering, light marks and bumping with small tears to the corners. These signs of use are consistent with a children's book of this period.
 
Interior Condition
The pages are lightly toned but remain exceptionally neat and clean for their age.
All 208 pages are present and have been checked. The illustrated plates are complete.
There are only occasional small marks and minor handling creases. The plate facing page 104 has a few creases. A couple of pages have very small edge tears which do not affect the text or illustrations.
There are no ownership inscriptions or writing.
The binding remains secure, with only a very light gutter crack near page 73 which does not affect the structural integrity.
 
Physical Details
Pages: 208 pages.
Dimensions: Approximately 24.5 × 18.5 × 2.4 cm.
Weight: Approximately 522 g.