Raymond Briggs, blooming books - Nicolette Jones

Beginning with his first published illustration in 1958 and continuing through to the work he continues to produce today,this is a stunning and diverse exploration of the work of this unique and brilliant artist. Commentaries by the journalist Nicolette Jones accompany extracts and, in some cases, complete picture books, reviewing the background to Briggs's work and its underlying themes. Following a foreword from Raymond Briggs and Nicolette Jones's introduction, the book is divided into four main sections: The Early Years (including, among many others, The Elephant and the Bad Baby); The Nursery Classics (e.g. Father Christmas, The Snowman, The Bear); A Gallery of Characters (e.g. Fungus, The Man, Ug) and The Social Issues (When the Wind Blows, The Tin-Pot Foreign General and the Old Iron Woman, Ethel and Ernest). All of Briggs's work is here, from his captivating work for children through to the sharp and satirical works. Familiar favouites are also accompanied by some previously unseen material, including preparatory drawings for published titles and work from several planned sequels to Fungus the Bogeyman.