Betty Maxey illustrations (Famous Five)

[Rob Houghton]

And yet we are told that Julian is 12, George and Dick, 11 and Anne 10 in the first book, aren't we?

I think so...but then as a kid I didn't read the first book, and only ever read Smuggler's Top and Mystery Moor...so I had no idea how old The Five were meant to be!

[Daisy]

I thought after writing that, that if one hadn't read the books in order, it wouldn't be apparent just how old they are... to start with anyway.

[kirrin_castle]

Anita Bensoussane: I don't think Betty Maxey ever redid any of the pictures. She illustrated some of the Famous Five books as early as 1967-8, finishing the series in about 1974 (she didn't do the books in chronological order), so any resemblance between her drawings and the TV cast must just be a coincidence.

I am trying to collect the Betty Maxey paperback cover books with the Eileen Soper internal illustrations. I got a whole set from ebay but found books 8,9,10 & 11 had Betty Maxey internal illustrations, so thought it was still possible to find the same with Eileen illustrations. However, after looking at the covers on Cave of Books and seeing Anita's comment above, it seems that Betty did the illustrations for books 8,9,10 & 11 for when Knight first published the paperbacks in approx 1967. All the other books had Eileen's illustrations with a Betty Maxey cover until 1974, when all were republished with Betty's artwork. Can anyone confirm this is the case please?

Also a slight anomaly with book 12 Five Go Down To The Sea, is that I have a later Betty Maxey cover and internals book, but on the back cover is an illustration by Eileen Soper!

Thank you

[pete9012S]

I have updated a few links that have died - if you spot anymore just let me know.

https://www.enidblytonsociety.co.uk/for ... 00#p195339" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[pete9012S]

Betty Maxey fans feast your eyes!!! - All others look away now!

[Anita Bensoussane]

Fabulous, Pete - that's what I call a real treat (though certain others might be inclined to use rather a different term)!

[Lucky Star]

Fabulous Pete. I will always love those covers, the ones I grew up with.

[John Pickup]

Fabulous, Pete. You throwing them out.

[pete9012S]

Can't believe you can focus John through that rum & pep haze!!!

[pete9012S]

A special treat for the legions of Maxey fans - her stupendous original artwork for Wonderful Time compared to the edition published in the late 1960's early 1970's...enjoy!

[Lucky Star]

Very nice and interesting Pete. Thanks.

I'm so glad I managed to get my comment in before the "legions" overwhelm the site.

[pete9012S]

How things on the work front for you John with all the new rules etc?

Regards

Pete

[Anita Bensoussane]

I also hope your new job is going okay, John.

Edit: Further discussion of jobs (relating to the coronavirus situation) has been moved to the Coronavirus thread in General Natter.


I remember you mentioning that artwork before, Pete. It's a stunning cover, with Alfredo in the foreground looking so dramatic, and the children's faces lit up with a rosy glow as they watch intently. Lovely colours and composition.

[pete9012S]

Thank you Anita.

Another treat today for the vast army of Maxey fanciers:


The sometimes hard to find 1974 Brockhampton, illustrations and cover by Betty Maxey.

Which of course is already in the cave!
https://www.enidblytonsociety.co.uk/boo ... %27s+Rocks" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


.

In my humble opinion, this cover compares quite favourably with the 1961 Eileen Soper version.

We are lucky to have two extremely gifted Famous Five illustrators.


The 2017 edition of the same book....

[Anita Bensoussane]

The prominent cartoon monkey on the cover of the 2017 edition gives the impression that the book is for much younger children!