Blue Beard and Puss in Boots - Illustrated by R. Heighway (the Banbury Cross Series)

The Banbury Cross Series was a collection of 12 volumes of books edited by Grace Rhys and published in London by Dent in the 1890s. Each book is attractively illustrated with full page and partial page pen and ink drawings in a classic Art Nouveau style by leading artists of the era. This title contains a little known French fairytale about a wicked blue bearded husband and the well-loved classic Puss in Boots. Richard Heighway's story specific text and full page black and white illustrations are full of life and vigour. Many of the earliest children's books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Pook Press are working to republish these classic works in affordable, high quality editions, using the original text and artwork so these works can delight another generation of children.