Books

Complete set of 12 illustrated volumes, seven with jackets, 1931-1962: Swallows and Amazons, 1931, "New illustrated edition": clean original cloth boards with fading to boards and spine; splits to spine edges but intact ; two word previous owner's mark to fep, "Elizabeth Mann'; very clean and tight text block with no spotting or sunning, other than to page edges. No jacket. Swallowdale, 1960, 26th impression: Very Good: clean original cloth binding with blind stamped title letters to front cover and gilt letters to spine; lighter strip to bottom of spine tip and to 2cm area of bottom edge of front cover; very clean end papers and tight text block with a little spotting to some pages. Jacket: Good plus: very clean orange and black illustrated front cover, with very short closed tears to spine tip edges; not price clipped. Peter Duck, 1932, 4th impression: Very Good: very clean and straight original cloth binding with gilt letters to front cover and to spine; very clean illustrated end papers and tight text block, with no spotting or sunning (no s o s); no jacket. Winter Holiday, "Reprinted December 1933"; clean and bright original cloth binding with blind stamped title letters to the front cover and gilt letters to the spine; neat contemporary gift inscription to fep, "Elizabeth Mann/with love from George and John/Xmas 1934"; very clean illustrated end papers and tight text block with no s or s; no jacket. Coot Club, "Reprinted November 1934", Very Good: very clean original cloth binding with blind stamped letters to front cover and gilt letters to spine; very clean illustrated end papers and tight and clean text block, with no s or s; no jacket. Pigeon Post, clean and straight original cloth boards with gilt letters to spine; very clean and tight text block with no s or s; no jacket. We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea, 22nd impression, 1958, Very Good: very clean original cloth binding with blind stamped title letters to front cover and gilt letters to spine; very clean and tight end papers and text block with no s or s. Jacket: Very Good: very clean blue and black illustrated front cover and spine; small closed tears and nicks to some extremities; printed price of 13s 6d to verso. Secret Water, "Reprinted 1962". Very Good: very clean and straight original cloth binding with blind stamped letters to front cover and gilt letters to spine; very clean and tight end papers and text block with no s or s. Jacket: Very Good: orange and black illustrated front cover and slightly faded spine; price clipped but printed price to verso of 13s 6d. Missee Lee, 10th impression 1955: Very Good: very clean and straight original cloth binding with blind stamped title letters to front cover and gilt letters to spine; very clean and tight end papers and text block with no s or s. Jacket: Good: clean orange and black illustrated front cover and slightly faded spine; small closed tears and nicks to some extremities; price clipped but has Jonathan Cape printed price sticker of 13s 6d. The Big Six, 13th impression, 1961: Very Good: very clean magenta and black illustrated front cover and faded spine: three tiny nicks to edges and one short crease; price clipped. The Picts and the Martyrs, 11th impression, 1959: Very Good plus: very clean front cover with blind stamped title letters and gilt letters to spine; very clean and tight end papers and text block with no s or s. Jacket: Very Good: purple and black illustrations to front cover and to faded spine; not price clipped (13s 6d). Great Northern?, "Type reset 1958": Very Good: clean original cloth binding with blind stamped title letters to front board and gilt letters to spine. Jacket: Good: dark green and black illustrations to front cover and to spine; small loss to base of spine not affecting publisher's imprint and closed tears and scuffs to some extremities; not price clipped (13s 6d). Set of 12 books will need additional postage, as carriage quoted by Abe is for one book only.

"Swallows and Amazons" by Arthur Ransome is a classic children's novel published in 1930. Set in the idyllic landscape of the English Lake District, the story revolves around the Walker and Blackett siblings. During a summer vacation, the children embark on sailing adventures on two small boats – the Swallow and the Amazon. The narrative beautifully captures the spirit of exploration, imagination, and the joys of a carefree childhood. The Walker siblings, John, Susan, Titty, and Roger, along with their friends, Nancy and Peggy Blackett, form two rival sailing crews. The Swallows, led by John, and the Amazons, led by Nancy, engage in friendly competition, establishing a fictional world of pirates and explorers. The children's imaginative play is fueled by their surroundings, as they navigate the waters of Coniston Water, camping on wild islands, and encountering various challenges. Ransome skillfully weaves elements of adventure, friendship, and nature into the narrative. The children's sailing expeditions are not just physical journeys but also symbolic of their growing independence and ability to navigate life's challenges. The author's love for sailing and the outdoors is evident in the vivid descriptions of the Lake District, instilling a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature in the young protagonists. The novel also introduces Captain Flint, the uncle of the Walker siblings, who adds an adult perspective to the story. Captain Flint's presence brings an element of mystery and authority, while his connection with the children reinforces themes of family and mentorship. "Swallows and Amazons" is not only a tale of adventure but also a celebration of the unbridled imagination of children. Ransome captures the essence of childhood, portraying the transformative power of play, friendship, and the great outdoors. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its timeless portrayal of the magic and wonder inherent in a summer of exploration and camaraderie.