A fascinating look at the work of one of our most significant and bestloved author/illustrators. Beginning with his first published illustration in 1958 and continuing through to the work he continues to produce today, Blooming Books is a stunning and diverse exploration of the work of this unique and brilliant artist. Commentaries by the journalist Nicolette Jones accompany extracts and, in some cases, complete picture books, reviewing the background to Briggs's work and its underlying themes. Following a foreword from Raymond Briggs and Nicolette Jones's introduction, the book is divided into four main sections: The Early Years (including, among many others, The Elephant and the Bad Baby); The Nursery Classics (e.g. Father Christmas, The Snowman, The Bear); A Gallery of Characters (e.g. Fungus, The Man, Ug) and The Social Issues (When the Wind Blows, The Tin-Pot Foreign General and the Old Iron Woman, Ethel and Ernest). All of Briggs's work is here, from his captivating work for children through to the sharp and satirical works found in The Social Issues. Familiar favourites are also accompanied by some previously unseen material.