Read Books Ltd : 6287 books

“Old Man of the Woods - Walks and Talks with Two Boys” is a novel by naturalist Marcus Woodward. Aimed at children, it revolves around two young boys and their conversation with an old woodsman who imparts information to them relating to nature and their surroundings. This charming little book...

‘Queen Summer – Or the Tourney of the Lily and the Rose’ was originally published in 1891. It is an epic poem about the allegorical figure of ‘Queen Summer’, decorated throughout in stunning neoclassical style. It is both written and illustrated by Walter Crane – a true master of the Golden...

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

‘A – Apple Pie’ is a beautifully illustrated children’s book, produced by Kate Greenaway. It contains a series of colour illustrations (for every letter of the alphabet), amusingly telling the tale of one apple pie – and the lengths the townsfolk would go to, for just one taste. They fought...

‘Old English Nursery Songs’ is a wonderful collection of children’s music and verse. It includes thirty-seven pieces arranged for piano, written down by Horace Mansion, and beautifully illustrated by Anne Anderson. It was originally published in 1900. The classic songs include such titles as...

In this wonderfully unusual work, Kate Greenaway provides an enchantingly illustrated glossary of ‘the language of flowers’. It shares the tradition, sparked by renewed Victorian era interest in botany and exotic plants – of using flowers as a means of covert communication. A fascinating insight...

Many of the earliest children's books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Pook Press are working to republish these classic works in affordable, high quality, colour editions, using the original text and artwork so these works can delight another generation of children.

Rumpelstiltskin – Origins of the Fairy Tale from around the World' contains seven different versions of the 'Rumpelstiltskin' story. It includes an in-depth introduction to the fairy tale genre itself, as well as the provenance of 'Rumpelstiltskin'. It encompasses 'The Seven Bits of Bacon Rind'...

Sleeping Beauty – Origins of the Fairy Tale from around the World' contains seven different versions of the 'Sleeping Beauty' story. It includes an in-depth introduction to the fairy tale genre itself, as well as the folkloric provenance of 'Sleeping Beauty'. It includes 'Sun, Moon and Talia' by...

Pook Press celebrates the great Golden Age of Illustration in children's literature. Many of the earliest children's books, particularly those dating back to the 1850s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Pook Press are working to republish these classic works in affordable,...

This vintage book contains a comprehensive encyclopedia of the folk-lore of Lancashire. The north of England has enjoyed a particularly rich history of folk-lore, having been influenced by the cultures of the Celts, Angles, Teutonic people, Scandinavians, the Normans, and more. This volume is highly...

Bluebeard – Origins of the Fairy Tales from around the World' contains seven different versions of the story of bluebeard. It includes an in-depth introduction to the fairy tale genre itself, as well as the folkloric provenance of the 'Bluebeard' story. It encompasses folk tales such as 'La Barbe...

Old French Fairy Tales is a collection of french folklore and fairytales, penned by Sophie Rostopchine, Countess of Ségur (1799 – 1874). Ségur was a French writer of Russian birth, best known today for her novel Les Malheurs de Sophie (Sophie’s misfortunes), intended for children. The anthology...

This vintage book is a detailed treatise on the history and development of wooden ships from the earliest times to the twentieth century. Detailed and profusely illustrated, this book is highly recommended for those with an interest in the fascinating history of seafaring and would make for a fantastic...