British Library Books

This highly illustrated new book features the work of thirteen of the top children's book illustrators working in the UK today. Each chapter contains a commentary by the illustrator, introducing their work and explaining how they started to illustrate children's books, and shows several original artworks by each illustrator. Quentin Blake's introduction reflects on the complexities of providing an illustrative response to the characters and activities of a writer. Joanna Carey, formerly Children's Book Editor of The Guardian , contributes an illustrated essay on the history of children's book illustration, from the work of Cruikshank, Ardizonne, and Walter Crane, to the instantly recognisable pictures from Winnie the Pooh and the tales of Beatrix Potter. The illustrators featured Angela Barrett, Quentin Blake, Lauren Child, Patrick Benson, Raymond Briggs, Sara Fanelli, Stephen Biesty, John Burningham, Michael Foreman, Tony Ross, Posy Simmonds, Emma Chichester Clark, and Charlotte Voake.

Britain's 1000-year prominence on the international stage continues to resonate today. The English language, spoken by over half the world's population, reflects a legacy of democratic freedom and legal systems adapted by many nations. This "British Inheritance" is shared not only by the UK but also by former colonies and current allies, including the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and India. The nation's rich historical heritage is showcased in the vast archive and manuscript collections of institutions like the Public Record Office, British Library, and National Library of Scotland. This volume presents key documents in chronological order, highlighting pivotal moments in British history from King Arthur and Alfred the Great to the multicultural Britain of the '90s. Each document is accompanied by insightful commentaries from experts and curators, providing context and significance. Alongside renowned treasures like the Domesday Book and Magna Carta, lesser-known artifacts such as Oscar Wilde's calling card and Mary, Queen of Scots' last letter are featured. Beautifully illustrated in color, this authoritative and accessible book will captivate anyone interested in history, politics, and culture.

A Literary Christmas is a seasonal anthology collecting poems, short stories and prose extracts by some of the greatest poets and writers in the English language. With a new cover by Sinem Erkas.

Stories for Winter is a collection of short stories that take their inspiration from this cold, snowy season, whether it's winter holidays, weather-related predicaments or seasonal celebrations.

An irresistible romp through the history of magic, from alchemy to unicorns, ancient witchcraft to Harry's Hogwarts - packed with unseen sketches and manuscript pages from J.K. Rowling, magical illustrations from Jim Kay and weird, wonderful and inspiring artefacts that have been magically released from the archives at the British Library. This spellbinding book takes readers on a journey through the Hogwarts curriculum, including Herbology, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, Divination and more. Discover the truth behind making the Philosopher's Stone, create your very own potion and uncover the secret of invisible ink. Learn all about the history of mandrake roots and dragons, discover what witches really used their brooms for, pore over incredible images of actual mermaids and read about real-life potions, astronomers and alchemists. The perfect gift for aspiring witches and wizards and any Harry Potter fan. Celebrating twenty years of Harry Potter magic, and produced in association with the British Library to support their major exhibition, Harry Potter: A History of Magic.