Hamish Hamilton’s “A Book Of…” Myths, Legends and Magical Tales
The wonderful series collecting older short stories, folklore, poetry and excerpts from longer literature was released by UK publisher Hamish Hamilton in the 1960s. The selection of tales for each book was made by a famous children’s author of the time, and wonderful illustrators with distinctively different styles were chosen for each volume as well. Many of the books were released in paperback by Penguin, and a couple by Beaver, as well as a few hardbacks in the US by Zwalk, but the complete set is only available in the Hamish Hamilton hardbacks. Each book works fine as a stand-alone thematic volumes, but together make a lovely set if you like the collection.
A Book of Dragons – edited by Roger Lancelyn Green, illustrated by Krystyna Turska
A collection of over 40 dragon stories from literature and folklore.
Forty-two tales, legends, and poems from various countries, including Japan, India, and North America, about giants, goblins, demons, and other supernatural creatures.
A Book of Kings – edited by Eleanor Farjeon and William Mayne, illustrated by Victor Ambrus
A collection of poems, short tales and excerpts of longer literature about both real and imaginary kings.
→ Buy from Abes (OOP)
No paperback issued. The similarly titled Puffin’s A Book of Kings and Queens by Eleanor and Herbert Farjeon (illustrated by Robin Jacques) is a collection of poetry, each dedicated to a different king or queen.
A Book of Magical Beasts – edited by Ruth Manning-Sanders, illustrated by Raymond Briggs
A collection of magical animal tales from around the world.
No paperback issued. Not to be confused with the large (and wonderful) Ruth Manning Sanders “A Book Of…” series that was published by Methuen and Dutton, and illustrated by Robin Jacques.
A Book of Magicians – edited by Roger Lancelyn Green, illustrated by Victor Ambrus
A collection of tales about magicians from around the world.
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