In a Big Store, Series 606b, 1973 matt (scruffy)

In a Big Store, 1973 was the last book to be issued in series 606b.  It was written by Vera Southgate and I and J Havenhand and, like all the books in this series, was illustrated by John Berry.   There are some pictures in this book which give the impression that Berry was forced to rush the artwork – a few pictures don’t have his meticulous finish.  I suspect this reflects the upheaval that was going on at Ladybird at the time; after the sale of the company the managment changed and cost-cutting measures began to appear.  Be that as it may, this is by far the hardest of the books in this series to find today.  It was in print for a relatively short time.  The ‘Big Store’ on the cover is Bentall’s in Kingston on Thames.   Other pictures were based on photos of scenes in Sainsbury stores, offices and warehouses

This matt copy is in tired condition externally – heavy rubbing to all edges especially the spine which is starting to split –  but good inside. It is a rare book to find and it’s a first edition.