Synopses & Reviews
In 1923, Cicely Mary Barker's first book,
Flower Fairies of the Spring, was published. Its immediate success led to the addition of more titles until, twenty-five years later, Cicely had completed the series of
Flower Fairies books. With each book, Cicely grew in artistic confidence although from the first her accuracy of botanical detail and the delicate charm of her young fairies captivated both children and adults alike.
This beautiful treasury contains a selection of some of the best-loved Flower Fairies illustrations together with their informative poems. The enlarged format of the watercolour illustrations are reproduced from the recently reoriginated printing plates so that their delicacy and detail can be seen to the finest advantage and Cicely's skilled craftsmanship as an artist can be fully appreciated.
The enchanted world of the Flower Fairies is beautifully represented in this deluxe edition, making this a book to treasure for always.
About the Author
Cicely Mary Barker was born in Croydon, South London in 1895 and died in 1973. She led a quiet life, and was always happiest with a sketchbook in hand. Owing to ill health she was educated at home and largely taught herself to draw and paint. She was encouraged in this by her parents and was enrolled for evening classes at the Croydon Art Society. Her distinctive style was soon commerically recognized when, at the age of 15, she had a set of postcards accepted for publication.
But it was her Flower Fairies books, the first of which was published in 1923, which brought her international acclaim as an artist. Using as models the children who attended her sister's kindergarten, Cicely Mary Barker's drawings are, in fact, charming portraits as well as accurate and informative depictions of flowers and trees.
Cicely continued to paint until her eyesight began to fail her towards the end of her life. She died at the age of 78 shortly before the 50th anninversary of her widely priased Flower Fairies books which are as popular today as they were in 1923 and continue to sell throughout the world.