Pelican Books is the non-fiction imprint of Penguin Books. From 1938 to 1940, a few books within the series Penguin Specials (and thus given numbers starting with “S”) were given blue covers and labelled as Pelican Specials. These paperbacks were claimed by the publishers to be ‘books of topical importance published within as short a time as possible from the receipt of the manuscript. Some are reprints of famous books brought up-to-date, but usually they are entirely new books published for the first time. S16, which I finished reading this morning, is
Here is the frontispiece;
sample pages with drawings and texts;
and, in particular, the plates of the underwater pencil sketches. These were made on xylonite, a waterproof early plastic which would, when suitably prepared, take pencil.
The intense expression in this portrait of Robert Gibbings reveals the penetrating eye that provides his vision for detail; his evident power belies the delicacy of his hand. The strength required to manage his drawing in a fairly primitive helmet weighed down by lead piping to enable him to remain underwater is evident in the striking image.
Gibbings “was born in Cork in 1889 and educated in the snipe bogs and trout streams of Munster.” He attended the National University of Ireland, and in London the Slade School and the Central School of Arts and Crafts. During the first World War he served in Gallipoli and Salonica; in 1924 he took over the Golden Cockerel Press and ran it for nine years, producing books which will long remain some of the finest examples of English printing. It was largely through his efforts that the Society of Wood-engravers came into being. (From the jacket blurb).
This delightful little volume bears the author’s descriptive, poetic, prose; useful information about fish and coral reefs as they were 80 years ago. His eye for colour and form is evident throughout, and he brings an elegance of movement both to the drawings and to the wood engravings.
Originally published at 6d or 2.5p in today’s money, the book is so well made that it remains intact.
Super interesting, Derrick. A friend of mine is a marine biologist/illustrator and draws underwater quite often on some kind of tablet. She’d get a huge kick out of this book. Thanks for sharing. Be well and regards to Jackie.
Many thanks, Donna. The book is still available quite cheaply on the internet (c$12)
I looked it up immediately too 🙂 Thanks
Such great illustrations. Thanks for todays history lesson.
Thanks very much, msw. I thought the dates of those specials were significant re WWII
The author is a serious looking chap. Interesting beard!
He is, indeed – great sense of humour, though. Thanks very much, Andrew
That’s a real gem of a book – one of the reasons I used to visit second-hand bookshop. Hope the waterfowl cooperate.
Thanks very much, Quercus. Got a few birds and a rat
Rats are much under-rated as subjects. They can be quick and tricky, but are handy when the birds don’t cooperate. 🙂
🙂
Wonderful illustrations and fascinating how he drew them underwater! I hope your photographic expedition went well. I’m sure you came home to a most excellent dinner. 🙂
Thanks very much, Merril. A good trip and an excellent dinner
I’ve never heard of these blue books, Derrick. I’ll have to look into them.
Thanks very much, GP
This is a wonderfully informative post Derrick – thank you! I didn’t know the reason for the different coloured book covers. This particular book is a dream isn’t it!
So pleased you liked it, Pauline. That is a good word for it. Thanks very much
Incredible drawings and fascinating technique! Especially interesting to me, since I have gone diving in the John Pennekamp coral reef here, on Key Largo, and some of the marine life pictured is recognizable.
That is pleasing, Dolly. Thanks very much.
My pleasure, Derrick
Robert Gibbings indeed has a discerning artist’s eye and a creativity that boggles my mind! I love his drawings. Reading that they were produced under water further amazed me! What a great find, Derrick. Thank you!
Many thanks, Jan
This is really interesting, Derrick. When I was in college, I wanted to study oceanography, but it wasn’t offered as a major. I’ve always been fascinated by sea life. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you liked it, Jill. Thanks very much
My husband has kept salt water fish tanks many years. I have written several posts including photographs of his tanks. The critters are quite interesting and have personalities. Some friendly, others aggressive. Although I used to resent all the time he spent on the tanks, now that he’s retired it tis great that he has a hobby to occupy his time.
Many thanks, Ronnie. An absorbing enthusiasm is essential in retirement
An interesting book with great illustrations
Many thanks, Drew
I really like the idea of making drawings “actually under water” as the blurb says.
Great results. Apparently it changed perspectives. Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Everyday is a school day. Great illustrations.
Thanks a lot, Dad
What a book! I hate to sound nostalgic, but truly, they don’t make them like that anymore. Hope you see lots of birds and take lots of pictures.
I agree. Will post the birds later. Thanks very much, Laurie
Looking forward to seeing the pictures.
What an amazing book. The pencil sketches are wonderful.
Such movement. Thanks very much, Sylvia
I’m back from my trip, Derrick. It is good to see you again! I love the illustrations, and history of the book. As always, thank you for expanding my world. Give my best to Jackie.
Many thanks, Lavinia. Jackie said “That’s nice”. I hope the trip was good
I was helping a relative pack up to move. Good to see everyone, but good to be home.
OOH! I love ocean/sea life! And these drawings are stunning! 🙂 They make me feel like you took us snorkeling, Derrick! 🙂 Thank you! 🙂
I can’t wait to see your waterfowl photos! I bet they won’t be foul! 😉 😛
HUGS and HEY to you and Jackie!!! 🙂
Very many thanks from us both, Carolyn 🙂
I did not know about the S books. How interesting! And my, talk about excellent illustrations! Thanks for sharing about this book that you read in 1 morning? What a fast reader!
Not read in one morning – finished then – took a couple of days :). Thanks very much, krcc
Amazing that he did those sketches underwater!! Pre-underwater cameras, I suppose. Love his dedication. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks very much, Judy
Astounding images – and very true to life also. Quite a remarkable man, it would seem. 🙂
Take care Sir! 🙂
Many thanks, Bob
How delightful and the illustrations are lovely. I don’t know how you find these things. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much, Sherry
Wow – glad to hear that Robert Gibbings had a sense of humor to balance that steely gaze. THose drawings are awesome!
He was a bit scary looking – over six foot and 18 stone, too. But clearly very sensitive. Thanks very much, Jodie.
My kind of guy – lol
🙂
Superb drawings! To think that they were produced underwater while wearing a great heaving diving suit as well. Amazing!
Thanks very much, Clare. He was quite a man
Heaving? Where did that come from? Of course I meant heavy.
WP likes to keep us on our toes
What a cornucopia of undersea life, beautifully rendered. 🙂 … thanks, as always for sharing these these fabulous images. I doubt that I would ever see them otherwise. 🙂
I’m pleased. Widders. Many thanks
Absolutely splendid. 🙂
Glad you like it, Micheline. Many thanks
Thanks for sharing this, Derrick. I agree, the author’s intense expression indicates a sharp mind for detail. I’m going to see if I can find this or another Robert Gibbings to look at.
I have posted several should you need the links. Thanks very much, Barbara.
That’s great – I’ll check back – thank you, Derrick 🙂
https://derrickjknight.com/2019/10/26/gentle-poetic-prose-and-bucolic-beauty/
https://derrickjknight.com/2019/07/29/cruck-frames/
Got it – thank you! 🙂