Opening The Box of Delights

John Masefield's fantasy novel, The Box of Delights, is an enduring classic of children's literature. The timeless adventure of schoolboy Kay Harker's Christmas encounter with scheming villains, a piratical rat and deadly wolves, a mysterious showman and his box of ancient magic, and good vanquishing evil in the cathedral town of Tatchester has thrilled and captivated generations of readers. Its many adaptations have contributed to the novel's enduring legacy. This is a richly illustrated celebration of the story in all its forms. More than three hundred pictures of illustrations, photographs, letters, manuscripts or designs illuminate a fascinating account of Poet Laureate Masefield's colourful life and career, the publishing history of the novel, its various illustrators - including Quentin Blake, Sara Ogilvie and the author's daughter Judith Masefield - and its adaptations across many media. Opening the Box of Delights also includes a hitherto unpublished section of Masefield's original text.