Posted by Andrew Barclay on January 09, 2013 at 09:06:48 user abarclay.
In Reply to: Re: First Encounter with Ransome posted by Duncan on January 09, 2013 at 03:03:56:
I've always really liked the original dustwrappers. They're instantly recognizable but unique to each book and give so many lovely glimpses of what's to come. Nowadays I do generally like the Red Fox paintings but still find the people look a bit off - maybe I just prefer the faceless characters of Ransome's illustrations. Certainly the scenes are nicely done and do a good job capturing the action.
I'm quite liking the new covers used for the Vintage Books publications. Peter Duck has a few technical issues (not a schooner, not green) but I really like the style. Seems to capture the simplicity of the original drawings while being more eyecatching and purpose formatted for a cover. I think they're quite elegant and look classic yet a bit modern at the same time.
I noticed on the Vintage Books website this quote:
'I read the entire series of Arthur Ransome's children's books as a child and thought they were absolutely fantastic. They were full of adventure, all sorts of exciting things happened and they were truly inspirational' Ellen MacArthur
I wonder what covers she had. Regardless, it sounds like they had a pretty big impact on a very accomplished woman.