The Ambush (Robin Hood), 1955 Series 549 (DJ)

The Ambush, 1955,  Series 549. A Ladybird Robin Hood Adventure

There were only ever really two books in this series, although in the 1970s another 4 Robin Hood adventure books were added.  These later books were in a different format and with different style illustrations.  The illustrations in the original two books (The Silver Arrow and The Ambush) are super-evocative.  These were probably the first two books ever illustrated by John Kenney for Ladybird and the colours sing – and both were originally issued with dustwrappers.  The stories were retold by Max Kester.  A tip for collectors is not to fall into the trap of thinking you have found a book inscribed by the author.  All editions of these stories (and some others of the same era) contain a reproduced signature that looks very real.

This copy still has its original dustwrapper has not been price-clippe.  There’s some light soiling/ mottling to the front panel and a stain on the back panel.  There are also a couple of ticks to the titles on the back DJ flap.  Inside there are a couple of ownersip names but the pages are in very good condition.  The endpapers have the blue open wing design.