I have been looking for a copy of the following book for a long time, but hardly know where to begin. I am afraid that, for a start, I do not know its title nor when it was published, although I imagine it was some time during the early 60s.

I can however describe it.

It was an illustrated collection of stories and excerpts from children’s novels, very lavishly illustrated in colour, in red cloth-bound hard covers. The title, which was something like “The Illustrated Collection of Children’s Stories” was in gold caps on the spine.

I think it was about 7 cms thick and about 28 cms long by 16 wide.

The stories included the opening chapters of “The Hobbit”, “Thumbelina”, “Snow White and Rose Red”, I think some fables from Aesop, and a lot more. Many different artists were involved. “Thumbelina” for instance included full-page watercolours, whereas the Aesops were pen and ink sketches.

Does this ring any bells? I imagine Unwin will know which publishers had permission to use “The Hobbit”.

I had this book when I was very small and I think it was secondhand. From the style of the art I remember it was about 1962, but possibly early. It had long since lost its dustjacket.

I’d be delighted to find out what it was – the pictures were beautiful.

Thank you very much.