A Third Ladybird Book of Nursery Rhymes, 1967

A SecondLadybird Book of Nursery Rhymes, 1966.  This book, illustrated by Frank Hampson, was the second book in the set of 3 Nursery Rhymes books published in the 1960s.   It includes the rhymes Mary Had a Little  Lamb, Doctor Foster and the very scary Goosey, Goosey Gander.

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:

Matt boards. It’s hard to find any of these 3 Nursery Rhyme books in good condition – they were usually read to bits or given to the youngest of children.  But this copy actually is in very good condition inside and out.  Light wear to the boards generally but a heavy scuff to one corner of the back cover and slight discoloration to the edges. Inside, the pages are in good shape with only minor blemishes.  It dates to athe 1970s/early 80s and has an original price of 60p of on the back.