Queen Summer - Or The Tourney Of The Lily And The Rose

This book 'Queen Summer Or The Tourney Of The Lily And The Rose' was written and illustrated by Walter Crane and originally published in 1891.

In the form of an epic poem about the allegorical figure Queen Summer its extensive colour illustrations are enchantingly neoclassical in style.

The book is similar to some of Crane's masques which he wrote to be performed by the Arts and Crafts Guild and some of which are also published by Pook Press. 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, colour editions, using the original text and artwork so these works can delight another generation of children.

About the Illustrator: Walter Crane (1845-1915) was one of the earliest contributors to children's literature and one of the most influential illustrators in the development of children's colour picture books.

Crane began working for Edmund Evans in 1864 producing bright, colourful books which revolutionised the type of children's books available.

He created a series of 'Toy Books' between 1865-1875 which contained fairy stories, nursery rhymes and other tales of adventures.

His Arts and Crafts illustrations came to typify children's books for decades to come.