That last, apocalyptic illustration, has to be the most singularly terrifying image ever included in a book for children. I was eight when I was given this book, and that picture scared me more than 'Doctor Who' or 'UFO' ever did; I was aware that it might actually happen. Seeing it just now after a gap of 44 years still brought a chill. It's frightening simply because there is no hope AT ALL in it. It was a very brave person who said: "Include that illustration." when the book was being compiled. It would never happen now. I have a tiny hope that some children who saw that picture, and were frightened by it's bleak honesty, grew up to be peacemakers. It's that powerful an image. Thank you, Robert Ayton.
Hello Brian . I totally agree about the Apocalyptic picture . My brother and myself were talking about this very powerful image and growing up having it etched into our minds. Even breaking down the original artist use of the reddish pink sky is very interesting , whether its fall out from the bomb or the Red sky warning? It is a terrifying picture for any child or adult even. I used to have the book from about 6 years old and loved all of it but I only remembered the picture of the Apocalyptic scene when I was trying to think what book it was as and adult. Thanks for sharing.
That last, apocalyptic illustration, has to be the most singularly terrifying image ever included in a book for children. I was eight when I was given this book, and that picture scared me more than 'Doctor Who' or 'UFO' ever did; I was aware that it might actually happen. Seeing it just now after a gap of 44 years still brought a chill. It's frightening simply because there is no hope AT ALL in it. It was a very brave person who said: "Include that illustration." when the book was being compiled. It would never happen now. I have a tiny hope that some children who saw that picture, and were frightened by it's bleak honesty, grew up to be peacemakers. It's that powerful an image. Thank you, Robert Ayton.
That last, apocalyptic illustration, has to be the most singularly terrifying image ever included in a book for children. I was eight when I was given this book, and that picture scared me more than 'Doctor Who' or 'UFO' ever did; I was aware that it might actually happen. Seeing it just now after a gap of 44 years still brought a chill. It's frightening simply because there is no hope AT ALL in it. It was a very brave person who said: "Include that illustration." when the book was being compiled. It would never happen now. I have a tiny hope that some children who saw that picture, and were frightened by it's bleak honesty, grew up to be peacemakers. It's that powerful an image. Thank you, Robert Ayton.
ReplyDeleteHello Brian . I totally agree about the Apocalyptic picture . My brother and myself were talking about this very powerful image and growing up having it etched into our minds. Even breaking down the original artist use of the reddish pink sky is very interesting , whether its fall out from the bomb or the Red sky warning? It is a terrifying picture for any child or adult even. I used to have the book from about 6 years old and loved all of it but I only remembered the picture of the Apocalyptic scene when I was trying to think what book it was as and adult. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteThat last, apocalyptic illustration, has to be the most singularly terrifying image ever included in a book for children. I was eight when I was given this book, and that picture scared me more than 'Doctor Who' or 'UFO' ever did; I was aware that it might actually happen. Seeing it just now after a gap of 44 years still brought a chill. It's frightening simply because there is no hope AT ALL in it. It was a very brave person who said: "Include that illustration." when the book was being compiled. It would never happen now. I have a tiny hope that some children who saw that picture, and were frightened by it's bleak honesty, grew up to be peacemakers. It's that powerful an image. Thank you, Robert Ayton.
ReplyDeleteThe illustration Brian refers to is now the front cover of the spoof Ladybird book of the Zombie Apocalypse.
ReplyDelete