R. Caldecott's Picture Book, No 2: Containing the Three Jovial Huntsmen, Sing a Song for Sixpence, the Queen of Hearts, the Farmers Boy

by Randolph Caldecott (Illustrator)

This book, 'R. Caldecott's Picture Book No. 2', is a collection of the stories published as part of Caldecott 'Picture Books' series between 1880-1881. These were published in pairs, every year, from 1878 until his death in 1886. Stories compiled in this volume are Three Jovial Huntsmen, Sing a Song for Sixpence, The Queen of Hearts, and The Farmers Boy. Randolph Caldecott was one of the most important British illustrators of the Victorian period. He transformed the world of decorated children's books, with his delicate yet considered drawings and imaginative subject choices. Caldecott selected all the stories and rhymes he illustrated (and occasionally wrote) and frequently added his delightful style and humour to the stories himself. Pook Press celebrates the great 'Golden Age of Illustration' in children's classics and fairy tales - a period of unparalleled excellence in book illustration. We publish rare and vintage Golden Age illustrated books, in high-quality colour editions, so that the masterful artwork and story-telling can continue to delight both young and old.

Genres: Poetry

134 pages, Paperback

Published April 13, 2009

About the author

Known chiefly for his book illustrations, Caldecott was a gifted artist respected by his contemporaries. The Caldecott Medal which is given out each year for the most distinguished children's picture book is named for him.

In 1877, Edmund Evans, who was a leading colour printer asked Caldecott for illustrations for two Christmas books. The results were The House that Jack Built and The Diverting History of John Gilpin, published in 1878.

It was Caldecott's health among other things which prompted his many winter trips to the Mediterranean and other warm climates. It was on such a tour in 1886 that he was taken ill again and died in St. Augustine, Florida, just before his 40th birthday.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randolph...

Sometimes his name is transcribed as Ralph Caldecott, for example on the book "The Babes in the Wood & The Elegy of the Mad Dog."

Reviews

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture books from the past are always interesting. They're more witty, more interesting, and less what we would consider child appropriate than books today. I like them for that reason.

This volume has "The Three Jovial Huntsmen", "Sing a Song for Sixpence", "The Queen of Hearts" (really loved the illustrations here, and "The Farmer's Boy." Of these I liked the Huntsmen best because it's so darn clever.

Who am I kidding, I love the smell of the book most. It reminds me of mimeographs, the school offices when I was a kid, and everything wonderful about the office supply store I went to with my dad in the early 1970s.

I got this one from the library. I'd love to find a copy for myself. Great book if you love vintage children's stories. :)

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for a few years and just read it. The illustrations are beautiful. I’m so glad I have an original copy to treasure.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowing that I'd be writing a few comments about this book, today I spent more time studying the art than I did reading the familiar verses. Caldecott has a down-to-earth, humorous style, with each illustration providing details that enhance the rhymes. The illustrations for 'The Queen of Hearts' are especially entertaining -- hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs are incorporated into the clothing of the Queen (of course) as well as the King, the Knave, the children and even the servants. There's also a humorous cat who 'tattles' on the thief.

This is a nice addition to my 'library.'