Tuesday, December 16, 2008

A BURST OF NOSTALGIA WITH THESE TWO TITLES
These two titles were originally published in 1936 and 1957 respectively and are typical of the books that former publisher Ward Lock & Co. used to publish every year for the Christmas market.
They are hardback facsimile reproductions of the originals even down to the black and white photographs throughout.
The Wonder Book of Things to Do (1957) is filled with activities from those far off digital-free days when there were no computers, DVD's, CD's. and in NZ at least no television. The Wonder Book of Would You Believe it? goes back to pre-World War Two days and is filled with fascinating facts about the world as they were known at that time.
I guess these books will find a niche in the nostalgia market, filled as they are with deliciously vintage takes on life back then. It is hard to imagine contemporary children who are so used to full colour and everything digital being terribly impressed. Fun for their grandparents though!
Published today under the Cassell imprint by Conran Octopus, part of the Hachette Group.
NZ RRP $29.99.

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