John Masefield

Right Royal is an irresistible racing ballad, written by former Poet Laureate John Masefield, about a dream which turned into a feat of madness: a folly familiar to many in the world of gambling! The poem was first published in 1920 and two years later a new edition was brought out, illustrated by Cecil Aldin. It has not been back in print as a single volume in the UK until now. The action of the poem centres on Charles Cothill, the main character of the story, who enters his steeplechaser Right Royal for the English Chasers’ Cup, a race with obvious parallels to the Grand National. It is run over four and a half miles and features formidable fences. Right Royal has earned a reputation for being ungenerous and temperamental, with remote prospects. But on the night before the race, Cothill dreams that the horse will win and the haunting line echoes throughout the poem: ‘It’s my day today – I shall not have another…’ The whole of the poem draws the reader in to the rash stake the young love-lorn jockey puts on his horse, and captures all the thrill of the races as the enthralling events of the day unfold. A tale of exhilaration and heartbreak, folly and love, this is a spell-binding piece of flowing writing by one of Britain’s finest poets. Cecil Aldin’s masterful illustrations beautifully capture all the heightened emotions of horse racing.

`Two of the greatest children’s books ever written’ – The Times on Box of Delights and The Midnight Folk. 'And now, Master Harker, now that the Wolves are Running, perhaps you could do something to stop their Bite?' A magical old man has asked Kay to protect the Box of Delights, a Box with which he can travel through time. But Kay is in danger: Abner Brown will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. The police don't believe Kay, so when his family and the Bishop are scrobbled up just before Christmas, he knows he must act alone . . . John Masefield’s classic children’s book is considered to be one of the great works of modern children’s fiction. Magical, fantastical and filled with vivid, rich characters, The Box of Delights and its sequel The Midnight Folk are a must-read for any child.

‘Two of the greatest children’s books ever written’ – The Times on Box of Delights and The Midnight Folk. ‘You ought to know about the treasure, Kay … for until it is restored or traced, no man of our name ought to rest.’ Determined to recover the long-lost family treasure, Kay finds himself in a race against the evil Abner Brown. Abner has his witch friends and his dark magic to help him, but Kay has the very special Midnight Folk. In a breathtaking, magical quest, which side will find the treasure first? John Masefield’s classic children’s book is considered to be one of the great works of modern children’s fiction. Magical, fantastical and filled with vivid, rich characters – brought to life in this edition by Quentin Blake’s stunning artwork – The Magic Folk and its prequel The Box of Delights are a must-read for any child.