A First Ladybird Book of Nursery Rhymes, 1965

A First Ladybird Book of Nursery Rhymes, 1965.  This book, illustrated by Frank Hampson, was the first book in the set of 3 Nursery Rhymes books published in the 1960s.   It includes the rhymes Hush-a-bye Baby, Little Bo-Peep and Little Jumping Joan.

The rhymes are traditional so these books are all about Frank Hampson’s wild, pretty disconcerting images.  The books appeal and alarm in equal measure – with odd perspectives, bright colours and odd juxta-positioning of the every-day and fantasy.

This copy:

It’s hard to find any of these 3 Nursery Rhyme books in good condition – especially this one: the first book.  They were usually read to bits or given to the youngest of children.  This is a rare thing – a copy with matt boards that is still in pretty good condition.  There is a stain to the front cover and more staining to the back (see photos) but otherwise not much wear and nice, clean pages.  It dates from the 1970s/early 80s and has the original price of 60p on the back.