Monday, 14 June 2010

The Modern Girl

 

I thought today I post some images from a sweet book I found in a charity shop The Modern Girls Annual, for girls aged 9-14. I can't find a date for it but based on they style and contents I think it was published around the mid to late1960's. It's funny to think that my mum would have been the right age to read this when she was a girl. The Modern Girls Annual was published by the Daily Sketch, a British paper published from the 1950s until 1971 when it merged with another paper. The book is full of beautifully illustrated short stories with titles like The Cavalier Maid, Circus Girl and The tale of a Lame Pigeon. As well as articles such as Watching Birds, Life in the Lab and Fresh ideas for party drinks. The annual tries to be fun and informative with tips about manners and hosting parties as well as information about what you need to do to work in a  hospital laboratory. One of the reasons I bought the book were the beautiful illustrations, including this 'special interest' section on dressing up. I particularly like the poodle costume and how Disney like Alice in Wonderland looks. Which is your favourite?

7 comments:

  1. columbine + the space girl are my favorites. thanks for sharing!

    xo Alison

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  2. These pictures are so sweet, I love the illustrations in old books, they just have so much more charm!!
    From Carys of La Ville Inconnue

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  3. Best vintage illustrations ever!!!!! Especially the first one!! wow!

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  4. I love old books like this :)
    I just got a cute childrens book from the fifties yesterday that I was going to scan and post. My favorite ones of these are the gypsy girl and the cleopatra. Very cool!
    xoxo
    -Sam

    http://fearisadirtyword.blogspot.com

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  5. That's so fun! I love the spacegirl illustration!

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  6. I am a big fan of old illustrated books. I've hoarded my uncles' children's encyclopaedias and How-To books. I should scan them so I can share with you!

    Thanks for this bit of colour on a rainy day,
    A from A Plus B in the Sea

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