Wednesday, December 5, 2007
My slowly-growing collection
In May 2006 I made the decision to start collecting vintage hardback copies of Enid Blyton's books and ditch my modern paperbacks. I wish I'd started 20 years ago when you could find them for virtually nothing; these days everyone knows the value of old books and everyone is collecting them, collectors and resellers alike. For this reason my collection has been growing oh-so-slowly, at a rate of two or three books a month on average. For those that are interested I thought I'd "show off" my collection as it stands today. It's worth noting that I started out looking for old hardbacks, with or without dust jackets, but these days I usually only buy books with dust jackets.
All images can be clicked for larger versions...
Here we start with a couple of Claude Voilier paperbacks followed by my Secret series of paperbacks and then The Adventurous Four. I love the Secret series, but they're incredibly hard to find in old hardback form so these 1963 paperbacks are here to stay for a while. However, there's hope because only a couple of days ago I bought a jacketless 1943-ish hardback of The Secret of Killimooin for $4.99, which I'm very pleased about! The Secret Sevens were an amazing bargain — I bought 13 out of 15 of these as a lot for $40. I got one of the missing two from Heather in Australia (bless her) and am still looking for the last one (number 14 in the series). On the end of this picture is an small assortment including The Magic Faraway Tree, a very nice bargain at $5.50.
Next I have a couple of Magazine Annuals (numbers 1 and 3) and The Children of Willow Farm. That red one is Storytime Book (not really my thing but I got it for free), followed by Adventures on Willow Farm and Adventure Stories. My copy of Mr. Galliano's Circus doesn't have a cover, but the next one along, Hurrah for the Circus!, is in amazing condition, and only $12.66 including postage.
I don't always do well with prices. I try to stay under $17.50 or so, depending on the book and the seller's postage, but sometimes will go higher — my most expensive purchase to date is The Mystery of the Spiteful Letters at $50.00, in very nice condition... but actually I bought it for GBP 25.00 (including postage) using my UK bank account; the exchange rate sucks at the moment, hence the high US dollar conversion. On the other hand, I sometimes get very low-priced books for under $4.00, complete with dust jackets. It depends on the book, the timing, and a spot of luck.
Speaking of luck... I'm not having ANY with the Adventure series. Those books are just SO expensive to buy with dust jackets that I'm having to settle with cheaper jacketless copies for now. Continuing with the picture above, the slim red one is The Castle of Adventure, published by Thames; it's got all the same text and illustrations as the thicker ones, but it doesn't look as nice on the shelf. My small collection of Mysteries follows. They're quite hard to come by here in the USA as well; they come up once in a while. After that there's a small assortment including The Boy Next Door, the first old hardback I bought back in May 2006. Finally, those paperback Mystery novels are ones my mum found in a charity shop for me. They're in excellent condition.
Right, moving on...
My "Fives" are getting there. Twenty-one books is a lot to collect for a single series, but they're the easiest to find. I'm not rich enough nor picky enough (yet) to yearn for first editions! I think that slippery slope (as Tony Summerfield rightfully calls it) looms in the future. My Barney Mysteries may seem a little scant at the moment, but at one point I had all the 1970 pictorial hardbacks, and they looked great. But I discovered half the illustrations were missing, so sold them all so I could re-collect some older editions. It seems anything before 1965 or so is "safe" and I've had numerous jacketless copies that have come and go. My mission now though is to buy only those with the full wraparound covers (where applicable). Both The Ring o' Bells Mystery and The Rat-a-Tat Mystery are in fantastic condition, at $13.74 and $9.43 respectively (again, including postage).
All those Dean & Son books are kind of just "there." I don't really collect these, but they've come into my possession and that's fine. They're quite nice, and one day I might be tempted to collect them all.
We're starting to move away from Enid Blyton now. The two red books are The Enid Blyton Annual and The BIG Enid Blyton Book. I have a liking for these collections because they contain short stories of some of the major series; the "BIG" book is particularly nice. That tall blue book is High Adventure with Enid Blyton, something I found in a charity shop in England... *Shrug* Then there are Tony Summerfield's Bibliographies, which never cease to amaze me.Moving away from Enid Blyton now, those three annuals on the end are The Willy the Kid Book and The Willy the Kid Book 2 (I have two copies of number 2), written and drawn by Leo Baxendale, one of my favorite comic artists. Leo was good enough to write a personal message and sign Books 1 and 2 for me, which are in mint condition. Book 3 is extremely rare and I can't find it anywhere.
My Enid Blyton Journals are on the far left, and then there's Barbara Stoney's Enid Blyton Biography (from the 1970s). Then it's on to a mixture of other children's books: a couple of Three Investigators, a William book, all six Power Boys books, three Troy Nesbitt Adventures, then two Willard Price Adventures (both jacketless). After that are my much-loved Brains Benton Mysteries, all six in the series. The two white-spined books are my Applewood editions of two Hardy Boys novels (I just found a Nancy Drew by the same publisher as well, but it's not pictured here). These are really very nice, as described in a previous post. Finally in this picture are a bunch of newer Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries... I'm kind of indifferent to those now though.
And finally, my prized collection of Jennings books. If I have a favorite author other than Enid Blyton, it's Anthony Buckeridge. In fact in many ways I like reading Jennings more than Enid Blyton — but it depends on my mood. I have about four left to collect, but have several spare copies. I'm taking my time re-reading these (and some I've NEVER read), so I have a lot to look forward to. On the far right is a collection of Jennings short stories.
So that's it, folks. The thing is, this is barely scratching the surface in the world of children's books. Since I'm in the USA and can't easily collect old British books, I'm content to explore the American favorites instead. I'm really interested in Tom Swift, for example, but haven't "gone there" yet. I just bought another two Three Investigator books, which should be winging their way to me as I write this, but that series alone is huge.
Crumbs. So many books to collect...
This post has 24 comments
I made a comment years (?) ago about your pathetic collection of paperbacks! How the tide has turned. Well done and congratulations - your collection is growing in number and stature. However, illustrations can be left out of early books. My 1951, sixth impression of Five Go To Smuggler's Top has illustrations missing - one of my favourites, in fact - the small illustration of Barling talking to someone who George thinks is Block, on the evening of her 'escape' from her locked room, when she walks along part of the town wall, looking into rooms through their windows.
Heh, yes, in fact I collect these old books with the sole purpose of being able to turn around and say, "Yah, sucks to you!" But you're right, I know that some illustrations are missing even from earlier books. I know that the later all-black-and-white Famous Fives have the special glossy color pages missing, and I'm sure there are others besides. So obviously the older the better... but my beef with the Barney Mysteries was that literally HALF of them were missing! Yeesh.
I envy you your collection, Keith! So much larger than mine.
Your shelves look pretty tasty my friend... expect a midnight caller soon enough, time to steal me a book or two. I like all the collections.
I have often come across collectors of Blyton who also invariably buy Biggles as well. I notice that you are not one of those unfortunate souls. I use the word 'unfortunate' because Biggles books are often very expensive... and far more so than Blyton. I am picking up two early Biggles for a hefty price, sadly without real jackets... and if you think a first edition of Five On a Treasure Island is expensive, try a Camels are Coming with dust jacket (Biggles). Easier to buy a space shuttle.
Anyway hope you get the No.14 you were looking for.
Cheers, Prabhu
I have often come across collectors of Blyton who also invariably buy Biggles as well. I notice that you are not one of those unfortunate souls. I use the word 'unfortunate' because Biggles books are often very expensive... and far more so than Blyton. I am picking up two early Biggles for a hefty price, sadly without real jackets... and if you think a first edition of Five On a Treasure Island is expensive, try a Camels are Coming with dust jacket (Biggles). Easier to buy a space shuttle.
Anyway hope you get the No.14 you were looking for.
Cheers, Prabhu
I'm so envious, lucky you. I had lots of the Famous Five's circa early 50's, hard red cover and the lovely b and w line drawings, but I left them behind when I moved away from home. I'm hoping that some of them that my mum kept for me are still in my brother's attic. I now live in Italy and on a recent journey home I did find my copy of 'The Wishing Chair Again', illustrated by Hilda McGavin.It's a 1950's copy, there is only that one publishing date, but I've no idea if it's a first ed?
I'm so thrilled to be reliving my childhood again, I just blogged about Those Dreadful Children, seeing the illustrations again made me want to cry!
I'm so thrilled to be reliving my childhood again, I just blogged about Those Dreadful Children, seeing the illustrations again made me want to cry!
Ming, I thought you had hundreds of books? We'll have to do a careful count up and compare. :-)
And Prabhu, you're more than welcome to come round for a beer and poke through my books, but if you try and steal any, I'll biff you on the nose! Oh, and I'm sure I've read a few Biggles books in my younger years. But oddly enough they don't interest me too much now -- I guess they're just not my thang.
Francesca, thanks for posting and thanks also for the link to your blog. I had a very enjoyable time reading through your posts -- I think I stopped when you started talking about hair though; sorry, but guys just don't rate hair as conversation-worthy. :-) But it's very interesting to read about a Brit in another country, as that's exactly what I am; at least in the USA they speak English (or so they claim) but it's REALLY difficult finding any Blytons in shops here.
And Prabhu, you're more than welcome to come round for a beer and poke through my books, but if you try and steal any, I'll biff you on the nose! Oh, and I'm sure I've read a few Biggles books in my younger years. But oddly enough they don't interest me too much now -- I guess they're just not my thang.
Francesca, thanks for posting and thanks also for the link to your blog. I had a very enjoyable time reading through your posts -- I think I stopped when you started talking about hair though; sorry, but guys just don't rate hair as conversation-worthy. :-) But it's very interesting to read about a Brit in another country, as that's exactly what I am; at least in the USA they speak English (or so they claim) but it's REALLY difficult finding any Blytons in shops here.
Ah, there's nothing like a well-stocked bookcase to make a room look cheerful and welcoming! If I could be there I'd be diving into those Brains Benton Mysteries - they sound interesting. The early editions of The Magic Faraway Tree and Hurrah for the Circus! look great too.
Not HUNDREDS, Keith, but well over a hundred (well, Blytons, that is). But most of them are all new paperbacks - can't afford those old hardbacks with dustjackets. :-) I tend to buy Armada paperbacks if a hardback is far too expensive.
How'd you know I had hundreds, though? Sure you're not confusing my collection with my dad's?
And Anita, you never say how many books you have!
How'd you know I had hundreds, though? Sure you're not confusing my collection with my dad's?
And Anita, you never say how many books you have!
Wow Keith! What a lovely collection! :)
Happy collecting!
Happy collecting!
Well done Keith, your shelf does look cheerful! Anita is right - there's nothing like a well-stocked one to make a room welcoming.
I'm very lucky to live in South Africa from a book collecting perspective. British kid's books, even hardbacks, are relatively easy to find (though they're getting rarer as people recognize their collectibility and are, I suspect, flogging them on the net to wealthy Brits - the Power of the Pound indeed). Also, SA imported plenty of US books as well, so in Hardys, Nancy, 3 Investigators et al one can collect impressions from both countries - double your pleasure!
Incidentally, I can't see from your pics whether or not your dust jackets have plastic covering them. I use Mylar to prevent further damage. It's excellent stuff, inert and way better than the cheap plastic I used to cover my school books in.
I'm very lucky to live in South Africa from a book collecting perspective. British kid's books, even hardbacks, are relatively easy to find (though they're getting rarer as people recognize their collectibility and are, I suspect, flogging them on the net to wealthy Brits - the Power of the Pound indeed). Also, SA imported plenty of US books as well, so in Hardys, Nancy, 3 Investigators et al one can collect impressions from both countries - double your pleasure!
Incidentally, I can't see from your pics whether or not your dust jackets have plastic covering them. I use Mylar to prevent further damage. It's excellent stuff, inert and way better than the cheap plastic I used to cover my school books in.
Thanks again, all ye who have commented. Anita, if only you lived nearby I would love to lend you my Brains Bentons!
Ming, I read somewhere (maybe on the forums) that you had a hundred or so. I was exaggerating with the "hundreds" thing, although at the rate you move in life I wouldn't be surprised if you had all Blyton's books by now!
Maddy, "happy" collecting is the only way. There's no such thing as "sad" or "disgruntled" collecting. :-D
And Des, there are quite a few Americanized versions of the Secret Seven here, and I think I might collect them one day just out of interest, but otherwise most of what I find here (ie, on eBay) are British versions, which suits me just fine. I haven't gone out and bought a load of mylar jackets yet, but I must do that sometime... A few of them have clear covers, but most don't. Actually I worry more about the sunlight than the jackets getting torn -- I've very careful! -- so I need to move the books into a darkened room or build a bookcase with doors.
By the way, I'm well aware that there are true collectors out there who look at my modest bookshelves and say, "Pah! Call that a collection?" I can only envy those collectors! :-)
Ming, I read somewhere (maybe on the forums) that you had a hundred or so. I was exaggerating with the "hundreds" thing, although at the rate you move in life I wouldn't be surprised if you had all Blyton's books by now!
Maddy, "happy" collecting is the only way. There's no such thing as "sad" or "disgruntled" collecting. :-D
And Des, there are quite a few Americanized versions of the Secret Seven here, and I think I might collect them one day just out of interest, but otherwise most of what I find here (ie, on eBay) are British versions, which suits me just fine. I haven't gone out and bought a load of mylar jackets yet, but I must do that sometime... A few of them have clear covers, but most don't. Actually I worry more about the sunlight than the jackets getting torn -- I've very careful! -- so I need to move the books into a darkened room or build a bookcase with doors.
By the way, I'm well aware that there are true collectors out there who look at my modest bookshelves and say, "Pah! Call that a collection?" I can only envy those collectors! :-)
Keith, you may not have the largest EB collection yet, but you do have one of the best EB sites in the world. Now that constitutes EB envy.
There are Americanized SSs? Why don't I know this?
And also: Aaargh! Don't ditch your paperbacks! Much as we all love and covet the hardbacks, there is some beautiful artwork on the PB covers. I know you want to subsidize your HB collection, but rather go without chocolate and tinned pineapple for a week or two (admittedly The Five would not understand this). The PBs are far more varied, still as cheap as chips and are an invaluable reflection of the last few decades of society. I love my 60s and 70s Armadas - even as late as the 90s and beyond, the MacMillans & Pipers are still very attractive, especially the Adventure series. So Ming, treasure your PBs in the meantime and hang onto them!
PS: I know it sounds mercenary, but support your local retirement village jumble sales - I've found some great bargains there even after I've given a bit extra for the cause.
There are Americanized SSs? Why don't I know this?
And also: Aaargh! Don't ditch your paperbacks! Much as we all love and covet the hardbacks, there is some beautiful artwork on the PB covers. I know you want to subsidize your HB collection, but rather go without chocolate and tinned pineapple for a week or two (admittedly The Five would not understand this). The PBs are far more varied, still as cheap as chips and are an invaluable reflection of the last few decades of society. I love my 60s and 70s Armadas - even as late as the 90s and beyond, the MacMillans & Pipers are still very attractive, especially the Adventure series. So Ming, treasure your PBs in the meantime and hang onto them!
PS: I know it sounds mercenary, but support your local retirement village jumble sales - I've found some great bargains there even after I've given a bit extra for the cause.
Ha - you know your Brains Bentons are perfectly safe, Keith, since I'm so far away!
Ming, if you're talking about Enid Blyton books I've got a few hundred, but most of them are what Nigel would call "pathetic paperbacks"!
I wouldn't put your books in a bookcase with doors, Keith, because part of the pleasure of a book collection lies in displaying it, gazing at the spines of the books and anticipating entering enthralling worlds upon opening them. As long as the bookcase isn't directly opposite a window, the spines shouldn't fade too much.
If you ever do collect any of those American Secret Sevens, please let us know what they're like. I can just imagine Peter saying to Colin, "Gee, you brought some of your momma's home-baked pumpkin pie? Swell!"
Anita
Ming, if you're talking about Enid Blyton books I've got a few hundred, but most of them are what Nigel would call "pathetic paperbacks"!
I wouldn't put your books in a bookcase with doors, Keith, because part of the pleasure of a book collection lies in displaying it, gazing at the spines of the books and anticipating entering enthralling worlds upon opening them. As long as the bookcase isn't directly opposite a window, the spines shouldn't fade too much.
If you ever do collect any of those American Secret Sevens, please let us know what they're like. I can just imagine Peter saying to Colin, "Gee, you brought some of your momma's home-baked pumpkin pie? Swell!"
Anita
I could still remember, only too well, my mum and dad took me to a Giant hypermarket to buy our food stocks when I was eight. I sat in the trolley and had fun touching the cans and packets and tins arranged neatly on the racks. When we finished shopping and paid the amounts, dad said something of going to the Bookmark. As he is a bookworm, there's no wonder about that.
Mum was at the women fiction and I wandered in the bookshop myself. I didn't like books quite much, I found them boring and the books were smelly at times. But, I like to see the colorful pictures of beautiful princesses in beautiful gowns and charming princes in charming suits. As I walked along the children section, I noticed there was a large rack which was full of books signed by the same author.
It was interesting to me, because there's no such racks anywhere but that rack. My desire to know better made me pick a book. The Greedy Rabbit: it said on the top with red letters. I found myself sitting down and reading the book, page by page. I was halfway through the book, when Mum appeared before me.
"I want this book," I said, gripping the book.
"You don't always want books, but okay," replied Mum. She took the book from my hands and looked at the price pasted at the back. "It's not so expensive, anyway. Go and pick a better-looking one. This one has a bent edge, see?"
As I had said earlier, I didn't like books quite much and I took a week to finish the book. The very next time we went to the Bookmark, I didn't waste another time wandering like a little lost soul. Instead, I pushed my way determinedly and sat at the rack until mum called me. And, the very same word was uttered out: "I want this book."
And, fifty-five "I want this book"s made my Enid Blyton's Popular Rewards into fifty-five ones. I grew fonder with Enid Blyton's masterpieces. I forced my mum and sometimes using my special, ultimate weapon, that is crying to buy me Enid Blyton's books. I cried for The Family Collection and The Mysteries Collection. I wept for The Amelia Jane Collection and The Faraway Tree Collection. I howled for The O' Clock Tales Collection and The Wishing Chair Collection.
When I sat at my own Enid Blyton collections, I started to realize how much her books had inspired me. I have started, in fact, liked books as much as my dad did. I started to compete with my friends of our Enid Blyton collections. I started to improve my English, and did surprisingly well in my essays. Even my sisters got a shock with my drastic changing.
All I'd like to say: EB, you rocks!
Mimsy
Mum was at the women fiction and I wandered in the bookshop myself. I didn't like books quite much, I found them boring and the books were smelly at times. But, I like to see the colorful pictures of beautiful princesses in beautiful gowns and charming princes in charming suits. As I walked along the children section, I noticed there was a large rack which was full of books signed by the same author.
It was interesting to me, because there's no such racks anywhere but that rack. My desire to know better made me pick a book. The Greedy Rabbit: it said on the top with red letters. I found myself sitting down and reading the book, page by page. I was halfway through the book, when Mum appeared before me.
"I want this book," I said, gripping the book.
"You don't always want books, but okay," replied Mum. She took the book from my hands and looked at the price pasted at the back. "It's not so expensive, anyway. Go and pick a better-looking one. This one has a bent edge, see?"
As I had said earlier, I didn't like books quite much and I took a week to finish the book. The very next time we went to the Bookmark, I didn't waste another time wandering like a little lost soul. Instead, I pushed my way determinedly and sat at the rack until mum called me. And, the very same word was uttered out: "I want this book."
And, fifty-five "I want this book"s made my Enid Blyton's Popular Rewards into fifty-five ones. I grew fonder with Enid Blyton's masterpieces. I forced my mum and sometimes using my special, ultimate weapon, that is crying to buy me Enid Blyton's books. I cried for The Family Collection and The Mysteries Collection. I wept for The Amelia Jane Collection and The Faraway Tree Collection. I howled for The O' Clock Tales Collection and The Wishing Chair Collection.
When I sat at my own Enid Blyton collections, I started to realize how much her books had inspired me. I have started, in fact, liked books as much as my dad did. I started to compete with my friends of our Enid Blyton collections. I started to improve my English, and did surprisingly well in my essays. Even my sisters got a shock with my drastic changing.
All I'd like to say: EB, you rocks!
Mimsy
I could write a book on the magical places Enid Blyton took me to as a child. I truly believed I was in the Magic Faraway Tree, The Land of Do What You Want and running away from Dame Washalot.
Some memories are vague after all these years but my appreciation will never wane.
Happy New Year!
Some memories are vague after all these years but my appreciation will never wane.
Happy New Year!
A great story, Mimsy! I chuckled at your comment about crying, weeping and howling for the books. It's amazing how many people have Enid Blyton to thank for turning them into bookworms!
Anita
Anita
Well Anita, my cryings, weepings and howlings were worth it, weren't they? Enid Blyton was as powerful as a sorceress to turn me into a bookworm. Her power has made me do really well in my English.
And, Anita, you didn't tell how EB influenced you. I'd like to chuckle about your story too.
Mimsy
And, Anita, you didn't tell how EB influenced you. I'd like to chuckle about your story too.
Mimsy
Yes, your crying, weeping and howling was obviously worth it Mimsy, though Enid Blyton may well have been tempted to put you into a short story called "The GirI Who Howled," or something like that! ;-) I discovered Enid Blyton in 1974 at the age of four, when some relatives came to stay and brought "Mr. Pink-Whistle's Party" for me and a Mary Mouse book for my sister. I loved both books, but especially the Pink-Whistle one, and soon started to collect other Blyton titles, two of my favourites at that time being "Chimney Corner Stories" and "The Enid Blyton Book of Brownies." I had no notion at that age of the concept of an "author." It didn't occur to me that anyone had actually written these books -- they just "were," if you know what I mean. I did, however, have an impression of someone narrating the stories in my head as I read and, because my first Enid Blyton book was "Mr. Pink-Whistle's Party," I had a vague impression of the "narrator" looking something like Mr. Pink-Whistle (as he was shown on the front cover of my Dean&Son edition, with a round face, twinkling eyes and rosy cheeks!) I think it was months before I was told that all these wonderful stories had been written by someone called Enid Blyton.
"The Girl Who Howled"...
That does not sound bad. Really, Anita, you should be a title-thinker for authors, you know.
Speaking to your childhood moments of Enid Blytons, I was envious. I didn't find The Enid Blyton Book of Brownies here in Malaysia. My first book of Enid Blyton was The Greedy Rabbit, I think I have mentioned it. I think it was the illustrations that caught my attention -- they were oldies illustrations that makes perfection.
Now, I am fourteen. Well, I'm practically thirteen until October 31st, which is waaayy far more. I can't weep, howl, cry, shout, stamp or anything similar to bring my mother pushing the cash onto the counter. It's very embarrassing when my mind recalled the earliest moments when I was getting Enid Blyton's books. But then, no sins to share it with you guys.
So good to know this website and y'all...
Till then,
Mimsy
That does not sound bad. Really, Anita, you should be a title-thinker for authors, you know.
Speaking to your childhood moments of Enid Blytons, I was envious. I didn't find The Enid Blyton Book of Brownies here in Malaysia. My first book of Enid Blyton was The Greedy Rabbit, I think I have mentioned it. I think it was the illustrations that caught my attention -- they were oldies illustrations that makes perfection.
Now, I am fourteen. Well, I'm practically thirteen until October 31st, which is waaayy far more. I can't weep, howl, cry, shout, stamp or anything similar to bring my mother pushing the cash onto the counter. It's very embarrassing when my mind recalled the earliest moments when I was getting Enid Blyton's books. But then, no sins to share it with you guys.
So good to know this website and y'all...
Till then,
Mimsy
Heh -- yes, no more weeping and wailing for you, Mimsy! ;-)
"The Enid Blyton Book of Brownies" is a full-length fantasy book, a bit like the Faraway Tree or Wishing Chair books. Well worth a read if you do come across a copy. It's aimed at the same age-group as the Faraway Tree and Wishing Chair series, but I still enjoy reading it even at my age!
I know you read Enid Blyton books in English, Mimsy, but I was wondering whether any titles are also available in Malay? I believe that some Enid Blyton books are (or were, in the past) translated into Malay but I don't know which ones. It would be interesting to know.
Anita
"The Enid Blyton Book of Brownies" is a full-length fantasy book, a bit like the Faraway Tree or Wishing Chair books. Well worth a read if you do come across a copy. It's aimed at the same age-group as the Faraway Tree and Wishing Chair series, but I still enjoy reading it even at my age!
I know you read Enid Blyton books in English, Mimsy, but I was wondering whether any titles are also available in Malay? I believe that some Enid Blyton books are (or were, in the past) translated into Malay but I don't know which ones. It would be interesting to know.
Anita
There are some books by Enid Blyton that were translated into Malay here such as the collection of Malory Towers, the Mystery collection and some others. Unfortunately, there are not too many translations. I do have some Malay EB's books in my own 'gallery'. But, I prefer Englishness.
I don't know if there are some of EB's books that were translated in the past, but I think there is. Maybe the publishers have stopped printing the books -- er -- I dunno.
The Malay EB books can easily be found in the local bookshops, even in the small shops that were tucked far from the city that you might never think they do have the books. Malaysians read their own language than any other languages, and that made it difficult for us to improve our English because of the avoidance on English storybooks.
PS: Knowing some of EB's books that are translated in Malay is as interesting as looking forward to snuggle into my overstuffed armchair in front of the kitchen (Fireplaces are rare in Malaysia) with a good Enid Blyton's storybook to read... :-)
So good,
Mimsy
I don't know if there are some of EB's books that were translated in the past, but I think there is. Maybe the publishers have stopped printing the books -- er -- I dunno.
The Malay EB books can easily be found in the local bookshops, even in the small shops that were tucked far from the city that you might never think they do have the books. Malaysians read their own language than any other languages, and that made it difficult for us to improve our English because of the avoidance on English storybooks.
PS: Knowing some of EB's books that are translated in Malay is as interesting as looking forward to snuggle into my overstuffed armchair in front of the kitchen (Fireplaces are rare in Malaysia) with a good Enid Blyton's storybook to read... :-)
So good,
Mimsy
Thanks for the information, Mimsy! It's good to know that you can find Enid Blyton books in Malay and English. Make sure you keep a good supply of cakes and lemonade next to that armchair!
Anita
Anita
Aha...
A good supply, perhaps an overstock of cakes and lemonade is a must. Perhaps an additional of two bags of vinegar-and-salt flavor of potato chips, three bars of KitKat and maybe Koko Krunch (in Malaysia, we ate cereals not only in the morning but whenever we prefer).
Oh, I can practically smell my mother's pure handmade blueberry cheese peanut cake now!
Better be off,
Mimsy
A good supply, perhaps an overstock of cakes and lemonade is a must. Perhaps an additional of two bags of vinegar-and-salt flavor of potato chips, three bars of KitKat and maybe Koko Krunch (in Malaysia, we ate cereals not only in the morning but whenever we prefer).
Oh, I can practically smell my mother's pure handmade blueberry cheese peanut cake now!
Better be off,
Mimsy
Hi there! I came to your blog via Google blog search.
Wow! I'm so impressed with your collection of Enid Blyton books. I love looking at the pictures! Now I'm on my own quest to buy and read as many Enid Blyton books I could find.
Once again, incredible collection! :D
Wow! I'm so impressed with your collection of Enid Blyton books. I love looking at the pictures! Now I'm on my own quest to buy and read as many Enid Blyton books I could find.
Once again, incredible collection! :D
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