Mabel and the Tower of Babel

Oxford: Lion Publishing plc, 1990. The Biblical story of The Tower of Babel retold for children. The first hardback edition of this Lion picture story book, signed to the front pastedown by the author and illustrator John Ryan beneath a cartoon sketch in pen of the book's heroine, Mabel the king's daughter. Fine in glossy illustrated covers showing only minor signs of handling. John Ryan (1921 – 2009) was a British animator and cartoonist, best remembered for his character Captain Pugwash which began as a comic strip which spawned books and a TV series which was animated by Ryan in real time using a system of cut-out characters and boats, moved by hidden cardboard levers. We have acquired several of these animation models alongside Pugwash artwork and books at a recent sale of items from Ryan's estate. Please contact Christian White at Modernfirsteditions if you would like more information. 1990