Yesterday I received a 'new' (to me) copy of one of my favourite pony books. It was a first edition of Prince Among Ponies by Josephine Pullein-Thompson. I have a somewhat battered paperback I have had since a child (and read hundreds of times hence battered appearance) but have been after the first ed for a couple of years now. One because I am trying to replace all my paperback copies with first ed's HB's where applicable and two because it has the most beautiful dust wrapper illustration. I read a post on another blog quite recently about best and worst covers and receiving this book made me remember it and also got me thinking how my favourite books in my collection (story wise) are not necessarily my favourite books (as in ones that look good on the shelf!).
So this a somewhat shallow post I admit.
I love the fact that this one is so PINK....and from a pre Jordan era. I also like the fact that is an extremely rare title (although I saw one go for a starting bid on eBay recently).
Being a cowgirl at heart I had to pick this one. Norman Thelwell's cartoons are hilarious and sum up our relationships with our equine friends perfectly. I am also biased owning Harry who is straight out of a Thelwell cartoon (not to mention his antics).
Again I am being shallow and love the rarity of this one but also the stunning golden pony who reminds me very much of a horse in a book I had as a child, a stunning Akhel-Teke in the most amazing shade of palomino you ever did see...just like polished gold.
I do like this story, especially as it's a true one and this picture on the jacket is stunning. The CBC edition for some reason went with a hunting pic that is not a patch on this. I also like the photo of the real Rosina Copper that can be found inside the flap on this dust wrapper.
The next few covers I couldn't choose between, so included them all, as I think they are stunning....the pictures are so simple and I love the minimal use of colour which features on a few of the PT jackets of this era...(Show Jumping Secret, Trick Jumpers, Horse Sale to name but three as well as the books below).
My favourite JMB and a book I had on constant renewal from the library as a child.
This is particularly delightful due to the adoring look on the dogs face as he looks at his mistress, as well as being a lovely story.
I
Anne Bullen's drawings are mind blowing at the best of times but I think this book contains some of her very best. I also like the rarity factor again of this one and the fact it is in pristine condition still.
Adonis is equisite on this one with his lovely 'breedy' Araby head....most little girls dream pony I think. Sadly no wrapper for the next one but the jewel in the crown for all Pullein-Thompson fans and collectors.
Another truly stunning but simple pencil line drawing, so much more effective than many of the gawdy colourful wrappers. I have yet to come across an M M Oliver not illustrated in this style (apart from the photo ones). Whether it was the era or the authors choice I would love to find out.
Now I am being very shallow indeed, don't like the cover at all but I don't know of anyone else who owns a copy of wild echoes Ringing so it has to be there for exclusivity. (And yes I am aware I will get hundreds of emails saying I have it too!)
And saving the best for last
I can hardly leave out the Jewel in most pony book collectors crown a first ed (even if in a little pre loved condition) of Silver Snaffles. Now if it had a wrapper..............
