This being the second successive day of unrelenting rain I finished reading
published by Methuen Children’s Books Ltd in 1979, of which this is the book jacket.
Manning-Sanders introduces her collection of stories from all over the world by explaining the difference between Spooks who have always been ghostly beings with a king to rule over them and a country of their own; and “Spectres [who] on the other hand have not always been Spectres. They were once creatures of flesh and blood, generally human beings, who after death, find the gates of heaven and hell shut against them, and so must return to earth…” Spooks are generally happy beings, and spectres unhappy ones.
Each piece has been translated into lucid and clear prose in the author’s own language. “Ruth Manning-Sanders [1886-1988] was an English poet and author born in Wales, known for a series of children’s books for which she collected and related fairy tales worldwide. She published over 90 books in her lifetime” (Wikipedia)
Robin Jacques /ˈdʒeɪks/ (27 March 1920 – 18 March 1995) was a British illustratorwhose work was published in more than 100 novels and children’s books. He is notable for his long collaboration with Ruth Manning-Sanders, illustrating many of her collections of fairy tales from all over the world. In much of his work, Jacques employed the stippling technique. (Wikipedia)
Here are the drawings from this book.
I was clearly influenced by such illustrators when I produced the 1981 cover for the Queens Park Family Service Unit Annual Report, and the drawing of Auntie Gwen in 1985 for my Social Work Area Team magazine Age Lines
This evening we dined on Pepperoni Pizza and plentiful fresh salad with which I drank more of the Cahors.
I’m wondering if my children would have enjoyed this book or not. I like the illustrations, and your work is excellent.
I certainly did. But I was odd like that. Always drawn to the macabre. My mum (Jackie) did seem to worry about that quirk of my personality. Hmmm.
Hahaha. Interesting. My kids liked quirky, too-still do–but the younger one did not like scary.
Thank you very much, Merril
Wonderful illustrations, and your work is wonderful, too. I did not know the difference between spooks and spectres. Thanks for the illumination!
Thank you very much, Laurie
This book sounds as if it provides an interesting perspective on world literature. I remember your Auntie Gwen drawing!
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I remember looking at that book when I was a kid. I was always drawn to spooky stuff.
I’m so pleased, Beck. Thanks very much
Just the thing for a rotten day of weather.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
I didn’t know there was a difference between spooks and spectres. I must now look for a chance to use this knowledge. I’m off to look up ghouls and ghoulies now in an effort to improve my vocabulary. Looks like a great book.
Make sure you spell ghoulies correctly, Quercus. Thanks very much
I double checked before posting. 🙂
🙂
Ooh! This looks like a wonderful, intriguing book of stories! I enjoyed reading Mr. E. A. Poe when I was a kid, so I would’ve liked this Ruth Manning-Sanders book you share! 🙂
Mr. Jacques’ illustrations are good!
Mr. Knight’s illustrations are fabulous! I always loved your drawing of your Aunt Gwen! It reminds me of Mr. Al Hirschfeld’s drawings. Which I enjoy! 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
Love those old drawings.
When you’re not even welcome in Hell, you’ve definitely done the unthinkable. Your 1981 illustrations are excellent, Derrick!
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
You have put taste in excellent illustrators to good use. Is the quality of the illustrations a prerequisite for any book you purchase?
Not solely; but I did buy books for the illustrations. This was a case in point. Thanks very much, Pat
Another great review and your scans of illustrations are fantastic Derrick …
Thank you very much, Ivor
I would love to read that book!
Robin Jacques does some very nice work, as do you, Derrick. I enjoyed your 1981 illustrations very much.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Your illustrations are stellar, Derrick. Thank you for sharing your inspiration. I’m sorry to hear about the downpours. We’re equally fed up with the extreme heat. Is this an unusual amount of rain for July?
Yes it is unusual, Alys. The result of a shift in the Jet Stream. Thank you very much
How disappointing.
Thanks again
What a lovely read for a rainy day!
Thank you very much, Riba
What a fun read on a rainy day!
Thank you very much, Anne
Is there no end to your magnificent talents?
Thank you so much, Sue. I’m afraid so – my hand is no longer steady enough 🙂
Ageing strips away so much of us.
Thanks very much, Sue
Fascinating illustrations, and an excellent review, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Really nice illustration
Thanks very much, Sherry
Your books and their illustrations are absolutely amazing!
Thank you very much, Donna
How did I not know you are an excellent illustrator? The book sounds like a fun one!
Thank you so much, Diane
Hi Derrick, the perceived difference between spooks and specters is interesting. Derrick
Thanks very much, Robbie
I am pleased to discover this book and so sad not to have ever seen or heard of it. So jealous that your readers remember reading it as a child. I, too, was a seeker of the macabre. I am also delighted with your illustrations and I’m glad you kept them to remind yourself and to share with us.
Thank you so much, Crystal
Wonderful, inspirational illustrations
Thank you very much, Sheree
Pleasure Derrick
This looks like a delightful book. Your illustrations are terrific, Derrick.
Thank you so much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.