Edward Ardizzone RA (1900-79) was one of relatively few British artists who defined the field of illustration for their generation. Although his work as an artist and illustrator was wide-ranging, it is for his illustrated children's books, almost continuously available since they were first published from the late 1930s onwards, that he is best known. This book provides the first fully illustrated survey of Ardizzone's work, analysing his activity as an artist and illustrator in the context of 20th-century British art, illustration, printing and publishing. Copiously illustrated with many previously unpublished images, Edward Ardizzone: Artist and Illustrator also contributes more broadly to the current reassessment and investigation of mid-20th-century British art and illustration. Alan Powers (author of the bestselling Eric Ravilious: Artist and Designer) has written a critically considered text which draws for the first time on the family's archives, those of Ardizzone's publishers, and conversations with those who knew the artist. This beautiful and enlightening book, which reflects in its design and production values the aesthetic of an artist who was closely involved in the production of his own illustrated books, will be a fascinating read both for specialists as well as for readers who have grown up with the unforgettable characters of Ardizzone's classic children's stories.

Little Tim lived in a house by the sea. He wanted very much to be a sailor, but his parents said he was much too young and must wait for years and years, until he was grown up. So when Tim got a chance to stow away on a steamer, of course he jumped at it, little expecting the hard work, the stormy sea, and the sinking ship to come! First published between 1936 and 1977, Edward Ardizzone's Little Tim books have been loved by generations of children for their spirited adventures and totally matter-of-fact tellings by a storyteller who spoke straight to children's imaginations. As Maurice Sendak has said, "The opening lines of the very first story were a droll Ishmael-like call to adventure that gave great promise of wonderful things to come." We are proud to bring Little Tim to a new generation of readers.

Edward Ardizzone, one of England's most beloved artists and illustrators, was also an artist who could never resist the temptation of filling his letters to family and friends with enchanting vignettes and sketches. Like all of his work, these were done quickly, humorously, and lovingly, with a sure touch for outline, wash, and color that always distinguished his work. For the first time, here is a selection of those letters, envelopes, and illustrations, selected and edited by Judy Taylor, longtime children's book editor at the Bodley Head and among Ardizzone's closest friends and correspondents.

Little Tim takes a break from his lessons and goes to sea as second ship's boy. He has many adventures and becomes a hero when he rescues his friend Ginger during a storm.

Hallo boy she said. Where are you going and what is your name? My name is Tim, answered the boy, I am a sailor, and I have been shipwrecked. Things never quite go to plan on one of Tim's voyages. In this adventure, Tim and his new friend Lucy go to sea in the beautiful yacht, Evangeline, but they quickly fall into the clutches of some villainous mutineers ...

Tim and his friend Ginger who have signed up as deck hands aboard the S.S. Arabella encounter rough weather conditions during their first voyage.