Looking for a children’s book where we’re led through multiple illustrated time periods where there are drawings of people – cave people with labeled tools and clothing, all the way to Greek and Roman, then Versailles where they talk about beauty marks. Lots of how-to pieces like how to make a drawstring pouch or a beauty mark, primarily focused on clothing but also pets or habits.
In late 1950’s, early 60’s, I read a book from the Young Adult section of the library. It had a dust jacket that I recall as darkish, perhaps blue or purple with people, maybe the children of the story. The story was about a boy and girl (siblings?) who spied a wooden door in a culvert as they were passing by in a (carriage?). They return on foot and upon entering, find Vulcan at his forge. Reluctantly, he directs them to Pegasus. They climb upon Pegasus’ back, and he flies to the Elysian Fields. There is an illustration of Pegasus stretching out his dainty hoof to land gently with the children on his back. I believe they meet other gods and goddesses also, but I do not recollect the specific incidents.
Thank you for any assistance you and your readers can share.