The Treasures of Childhood. Books, Toys, and Games From the Opie Collection.

New York: Arcade Publishing, [1989].. Folio. [190 pp.]. Very Good. Hard covers. Maroon cloth gilt lettering on spine. Dust Jacket Very Good. In protective wraps. Pages fine. Illustrated with color and B&W plates throughout. The treasures in this book come from a collection assembled by lona and Peter Opie over a period of forty years. With 20,000 rare children's books, comics, and other printed material, as well as a substantial collection of toys and games (most of them exceptional in that they are in mint condition), this unrivaled collection - formed as an accompaniment to the Opies' work on traditional lore and games - is one of the finest in the world. The Treasures of Childhood presents an entertaining social history of childhood through its literature and artifacts. Text on early children's books, classic Victorian illustrated books, magazines, and comics is provided by Brian Alderson, the distinguished writer on children's literature and London Timed critic. Peter Opie's widow, lona, and their son, Robert, examine the nonbook items, placing them in their historical context in a series of thematic excursions. Virtually every aspect of childhood and every type of book, toy, game, and diversion are featured in this exceptional and richly illustrated survey. The Opies' intention was that their two complementary collections would one day become the basis of a center for the study of childhood. Peter died before this dream could be realised, but a successful Appeal was recently launched under the patronage of Prince Charles, with the result that the books have been acquired by the Bodleian Library, Oxford. All royalties from the book are pledged to the Appeal. In The Treasures of Childhood, the book and toy collections remain intact for all to experience what, in the words of Brian Alderson, "Aladdin must have felt like amongst the treasures of his cave."