King Alfred the Great, 1956, Series 561 (DJ)

King Alfred was the first title in the 561 series, colourfully written by L du Garde Peach and illustrated by John Kenney.  Early editions (before 1965) were issued with a dustwrapper.

In this colourful telling of the life and times of Alfred, writer L du Garde Peach and artist John Kenney set the tone for the beautiful series of history books (the longest series that Ladybird ever produced) that was to follow.  It was a first-class collaboration between the two men, ended only by the ill-health of both in the 1970s.

If you ever get a chance to see the original artwork of this book, do.  It’s massive – much bigger than most Ladybird artwork –  and really packs a punch.

This copy:

This copy still has its original DJ, not price-clipped.  The DJ is only in fair-good condition; there’s light foxing mainly to the  front panel and flaps.  The edges are chipped and worn. Inside, the book is good condition.  A little light foxing and the odd mark and blesmish to fairly well-turned pages.