Everyday English passions

A wonderful second book from Peter Ashley. Especially good because it carries on the idea of the first book in the same format, (though I preferred the semi matt paper in the earlier edition).

All the usual goodies are included, for example: how to watch cricket, post box collection or reading books and a cup of cocoa. `Sunlight on the Meccano' is an interesting chapter about products that more or less became part of English life like Bird's Custard, Bovril, Cadbury's, the Bisto Kids, Spratt's, the Robertson's Golly and off course Meccano. I think the strength of both books is the blending of nostalgic commercialism with the accepted traditional Englishness of the countryside and buildings.

A delightful chapter is the `Ghosts of Christmas Past' with a rich selection yuletide graphics and on pages ninety-one and two there are eight of the author's own lovely illustrations for his cards, each one features a Royal Mail post van. The last chapter `English Letters' is a subject close to Peter Ashley's heart as he used to work for a printer and he writes lovingly of everyday type and popular signage.

If you bought the first book you'll definitely want this sequel and I'm hoping there will be a third (and fourth) book, too.

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The title spread.

Stunning covers from the Puffin Picture Books series.

From the chapter on English artists, these are by Rigby Graham

From the last chapter in the book about type and signage.

The thrill of Meccanao, even pipe smoking dad gets involved.

Eight of the author's delightful paintings for his Christmas cards.

A Bird's packet in every kitchen cabinet.

One of several Spratt's logos created to look like the creatures who ate the companies pet foods

On the Brit waterways.

From the lovely chapter on the English Christmas.

Typical spread.

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