British Drawings: Britain in Pictures. #105

London:: Collins,, 1946.. First printing. Fine . A Fine copy in a Fine D/J. Octavo (6.75 x 9 inches). Brown printed boards with matching d/j. Pp. 48 w/ 8 plates in colour, 25 b/w illustrations. From artist and writer Michael Ayrton, a fine introduction of British Drawing from manuscript illustrators of the tenth century to artists of the early twentieth century. During W.W.II, under the threat of a lost national identity, Wm. Collins published the 'Britain in Pictures' series to acknowledge and celebrate Britain's unique contribution to the Arts, Science, Industry and Culture at large. As the finest expression of social history, this series represented all elements of Britain's distinct way of life thus fostering national pride. The series explores a wide range of subjects from British Boxing and Golf to Printed Books, Photographers, Caricaturists and Cartographers, to Ship Builders and Fishermen, all penned and fully illustrated by the noted authorities and recognized talents of the day. At the time of publication, c.1941-50, these octavo sized books were issued in an affordable, yet pleasing format: one-color printed paper boards and matching dust wrappers, and thus were available to everyone. By any standards, this series still represents the finest synopsis of any subject uniquely British. As a well loved series, these books have withstood the test of time. Boards