Valentine - Books

1. Books of Photos of England & Scotland
Photographic View Albums
Photographic view album of Alva and district	1890	NLS
Photographic view album of Bristol and Clifton Thank you to Nick White who wrote: "I've inherited this book from my Nan. She was born in 1914, but many of her books date from the late-1800s. There are no real clues about the date of this book, other than the photos. The most useful of which shows the Bristol Library, but with no archway attached to it. This suggests that the book is pre-1906." Nick White: August 11, 2013 Hi Nick: 1. You'll see that other books in this series have been dated between 1895 and 1910. 2. Photos can be helpful in demonstrating that a book must have been published after a given date, BUT cannot prove that a book must have been published before a given date. Sometimes Valentines used photos taken several years earlier in the postcards and books that they published. 3. Thank you, Nick, for sending the two photos below. Peter Stubbs: August 12, 2013 © ©	?	Priv
Photographic view album of Carlisle and Vicinity	?	Priv (Tas, Aus)
Photographic view album of Edinburgh © © © © ©	?	Priv (Tas, Aus)
Photographic view album of The English Lake District © © ©	?	Priv (Tas, Aus)
Photographic view album of Falkland and district	1910	NLS
Photographic view album of Girvan	1900	NLS
Photographic view album of Gourock and district	1900	NLS
Photographic view album 'Views of Liverpool' Thank you to Joy Brown, British Columbia, Canada, for telling me about this book. Joy tells me that the book includes a photo of SS Campania which was launched in 1892 , bur it has no Royal Liver Building photos. That building dates from 1902. There is also a date of '1898' hand written in Chinese at some time on the back of the book, so maybe it was published around then.	c, 1898	Priv (BC, Can)
Photographic view album of Newcastle-on-Tyne and district Thank you to Phil Dickinson for telling me about this book. Phil would like to know when it was published. (email 28 Dec 2013)	1900	Priv (N Yorkshire)
Photographic view album of Oban and Neighbourhood © © © ©	?	Priv (Tas, Aus)
Photographic view album of West Kilbride and district	1895	NLS
Views of Ashburne & Dovedale © © Thank you to Jess Lovatt for sending me the photos above of the cover and the back page of his book. Jess wrote: "Today I came across a book entitled 'Views of Ashburne & Dovedale. Published by C.Hales, Ashburne'. On the back page it says: ' Photographed and printed by Valentine & Sons Ltd, Dundee'. The spelling of Ashburne rather than Ashbourne is interesting. There are 16 photos in total." Jess Lovatt, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England: January 19, 2014:	?	Priv (Derbyshire)
Views of the Trossachs and Loch Lomond (Valentine Series)	?	Priv (KY)
Calotype View Books
Campbletown Thank you to Richard Easson, Dornoch, Highlands, Scotland, for telling me about his copy of this book and for sending me a of its cover and of one of the illustrations in it. The cover and the illustration look similar to those in the Edinburgh Calotype View Book below. Acknowledgement: Richard Easson, Dornoch, Highlands, Scotland: 23, October 2015.	?	?
Edinburgh (16 views 6ins x 4ins, hard red cover 8ins x 6ins) © ©	c.1900	Priv (Ed)
'Shire Series'
Picturesque Forfarshire - 32 Photogravures + county map	?	St A
Picturesque Perthshire - 40 Photogravures + county map Thank you to Ken Dixon who wrote: "The latest date mentioned in this book is 1905. An article on 'Ancient Ferries' on p.54 says: ’Among these ferries, that at Kinclaven is perhaps the best known. It has been replaced by a handsome stone bridge, opened on April 22, 1905.' " Ken Dixon, Conon Bridge, Ross-shire, Scotland: 20+23 July 2011	?	St A
	c.1906	Priv (Ross)
Other Books
Abbotsford 12 photos for your album	1900	NLS
The Aberdeen Jew (Allan Junior) Illustrated by Gregor McGregor 36 pages. (Includes jokes, some now not 'PC') Thank you to Richard Welburn, Lyn, Ontario, Canada, for the photograph below of this book. Richard wrote: "My book still has the original tartan cover and the 'hard to live in" picture on the inside cover. ©	July 1927?	Priv (Lon)
		Priv (ON, Can)
Aberdeen Again (Allan Junior) - compiler of Canny Tales from Aberdeen, The Aberdeen Jew, etc., etc. 36 pages, brown cover with gold leaf. Illustrations by D C Eyles. Undated, but appear to have been done in 1928. - Marc McNulty: March 15, 2007] Dr Richard Johnson wrote (on May 14, 2008): "I wish to discover whether the cartoons in this book, drawn by D.C. Eyles possibly around 1928, are still within copyright. The cartoons bear Eyles' signature which is followed by '28.'" Dr Richard Johnson added (on May 20, 2008):: "I believe that D.C. Eyles, the illustrator, died in 1972. So, his cartoons are probably not out of copyright yet. Thank you to Richard Welburn, Lyn, Ontario, Canada, for the photograph below of this book ©	?	Priv (NB, Can) Priv (BC, Can) Priv (Abn) Priv (ON, Can)
Burns - in Scottish Scene & Song (Allan Junior) The owner of this book writes: "This book is an early type of paperback, published in 1925, quite good quality with brown card covers and well printed and published It is a collection of scenes, probably taken from the Valentine postcard catalogue, of locations which are closely associated with Burns, particularly where mentioned in his prose. The scenes/photographs are produced in sepia and all in all it is a delightful little book. I cannot find reference to it anywhere and wonder if you or your colleagues can throw any light on its reception or otherwise by the world at large. I shall welcome any comments."	1925	Priv (E Sx)
The Canny Scot (Allan Junior) Illustrated by Charles Crombie Ian and Sue Barker wrote (on Dec 24, 2010 + Jan 3, 2011): "This book is undated, but appears from the illustrations to be mid-1920s." Thank you to Richard Welburn, Lyn, Ontario, Canada, for the photograph below of this book ©	mid-1920s?	Priv (Lanc)
		Priv (ON, Can)
Canny Tales about Ministers and Elders (Allan Junior)	?	Priv (BC, Can)
Canny Tales fae Aberdeen (Allan Junior) (i) [23rd edition] - jokes & humorous stories (ii) [13th edition] (iii) Front cover embossed with gold writing	(i) 1930 (ii) May 1926	St A Priv (SC) Priv (Dum) Priv (BC, Can)
Dundee 1947 Presented by Valentine & Sons Ltd to members of the British Association as a souvenir of their visit to Dundee.	1947	NLS
Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Compiled by Robert Cochrane, Editor of 'Pentland Walks' Valentine & Anderson's Ltd., Edinburgh Valentine & Sons Ltd, Dundee & London Robert Miller, Victoria, Australia wrote: "This book was given or sent to my great grandmother in 1917. On the inside front cover is a sticker stating that it was bought at John Knox House in the High Street of Edinburgh. The sticker also has on it 'Old Edinburgh Arts & Crafts Ltd.' My question is do you know of this book and is it a collectable item or very common?"*	<1918	Priv (PA, USA)
English Lakes in Verse	?	Priv
Humorous Scottish War Stories Selected from the Daily Mail Edited by Allan Junior Illustrated: Fred Bennett Thank you to Richard Welburn, Lyn, Ontario, Canada, for the photograph below of this book ©	?	Priv Priv (ON Can)
Mair Canny Tales fae Aberdeen (Allan Junior) Front cover embossed with gold writing	?	Priv (Dum) Priv (BC, Can)
Lancashire and Lakeland © © © ©	no date	Priv (Buck)
Memories of London 'A picture souvenir of the world's greatest city' Jan Fisher, who has a copy of this book, wrote: "It contains 35 color pictures (postcard type, not photos) along with a map and some interesting dates in the history of London. On looking through this book, I see that several pages are duplicated. Is this a common thing?" Jan Fisher, Staffordshire, England: 4+7+12 April 2012 I have not come across pages being duplicated in Valentine books, but others may have seen this. Jan would like to know approximately what year this book was published.	?	Priv (Staf)
Memories of the Western Highlands 36 camera studies in sepia tone reproduced from exclusive copyright negatives. April Rees has a copy of this book and would like to know more about it including the value of the book. This book seems likely to be from the same series as 'Magic West' below.	?	Priv
Magic West: Highlands & Islands of Western Scotland 36 camera studies in sepia tone reproduced from exclusive copyright negatives.	1930	NLS
My Best Scotch Stories (Sir Harry Lauder)	?	Priv (BC, Can)
Old Songs of Merrie England - 1500-1800	?	Priv
Perth and District 'Photographic Album of the City of Perth' Published by Robert Inglis, Aesthetic Stationer, Perth Adanya, who owns this book, wrote "I think it's circa 1905 because that's what was written by my relatives. It was a gift."	c1905?	Priv
Photographic views of Mauchline	1880	NLS
Photographs of views of Scotland and Scottish People	1890	NLS
Photographs, Scottish scenery	1870	NLS
Photographic view album of Inverkeithing and North Queensferry	c.1900	NLS
Scotland; Picturesque and Romantic © © ©	no date but I've seen another copy dated 1934	Priv (Yeo)
Stories frae Aberdeen (Peter Esslemont)	?	Priv (BC, Can)
Stories told by Sir James Taggart	?	Priv (BC, Can)
Tommy Lorne's Book of Scottish Humour Illustrated: Fred Bennett Thank you to Richard Welburn, Lyn, Ontario, Canada, for the photograph below of this book ©	1930	Priv (ON, Can)

Children's Books

'Book Toys'

The Story of the Railway Engine

Nancy, the owner of this book tells me:

- This book measures 13 ins x 8 ins (so is much larger than most Valentine books for children).

- It is No B608 in the Valentine 'Book Toy' series.

- The wheels spin, and on the front cover, there is also a connecting rod that moves.

Below are illustrations of the book's front and back covers and title page.

©
©
©

- no date

Priv
(NY)

Nancy would like to know more about when this book was published and its value now.

The style of the 4-2-0 engine on this illustration suggests to me that this 'book toy' might have been published around the 1920s.

This list of branches for Valentine & Sons given in the book may also provide a clue as to when this 'book toy' would have been produced.

'Valentine & Sons, Ltd
Dundee & London
Branches - Cape Town, Melbourne, Toronto, etc.'

The Story of the Motor Car

This book measures 14.2 ins x 8.5 ins (so is much larger than most Valentine books for children).

It is No B609 in the Valentine 'Book Toy' series.

The wheels spin, and there is a hole through the front of the radiator for string to pull the car with.

The book has pages 10 ins x 4.3 ins - a title page and 22 pages of pictures and text.

Below are illustrations of the book's front and back covers, title page and pages 2 to 5. Clicking on any of the thumbnail images below will take you to a web page that includes all the pages in the book.

©

©

©

© ©

- no date,
possibly around 1930

Priv
(NSW, Aus)

THEN

Priv
(Edin)

The style of the vehicles in this book suggests to me that this 'book toy' might have been published around the 1920s.

The road signs on page 20 are the style that were in use in Britain before the rectangular road signs with triangles on top were introduced in 1934.

This list of branches for Valentine & Sons given in the book may also provide a clue as to when this 'book toy' would have been produced.

'Valentine & Sons, Ltd, Dundee & London
Branches - Cape Town, Melbourne, Toronto, etc.'

Tanks in Action

Thank you to Neil Pitts for sending me photos of his book 'Tanks in Action'. Neil wrote

"This book was given to Eric, the father of my father-in-law by his father who was on leave from the war in 1916.

It looks like it was published in December 1916. The serial number on the book is B345."

Neil Pitts: February 22, 2014

Passed for Publication:
6 December 1916

Priv

The Tale of Tim Tiger

Thank you to Susan Garland, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, for telling me about her book. Susan wrote:

"I have a copy of this 'book toy'.

- It is in the 'Dolly Series'.

- The cover is a tiger with a moveable head and eyes.

- The book was a gift a number of years ago.

Susan Garland: : 20 October 2016

- no date

Priv
(BC, Can)

'Chummy'

The Chummy ABC - CB2/3

Thank you to Jane Sparham who wrote:

"This book has a memorable entry for G:
'G is for gunner who brings down the Hun'.

At the back of the book is a poem, Jollyboy Jack.

It is a small pliable paper covered book. There is no date of publication."

Priv (S Wal)

UPDATE: Willie Thompson, Sunderland, Tyne & Weir, England has now told me of some more entries from this book:

- A is for Aeroplane

- B is for Barrage Balloon

- D is for Destroyer

- H is for Home Guard with bayonet and gun

- X is for eXpert

QUESTION: Willie asks: "Do you happen o know the full text?" If you happen to know it, can you please email me, then I'll pass it on to Willie. Thank you.

- Peter Stubbs: January 21, 2010

The Chummy Book of Wonders - CB2/10, 96pp.

c.1950

For sale £6.48 AbeBooks, 11/12

The Chummy Book of Little Ships - CB2/7

c.1950

For sale £6.48 AbeBooks, 11/12

c.1950

1945

NLS

The Chummy Book of Fairy Stories - CB2/10

NLS

The Chummy Book of Wonders - CB2/10, 96pp.

c.1950

For sale £6.48 AbeBooks, 11/12

The Little ABC Book of Birds - CB3/19

1945

NLS

Mothers and Babies (These were animals + birds ) - CB3/23

1943

NLS

The Story of Cyril the Squirrel - CB3/25

1943

NLS

The Story of the Brownie Family - CB3/27

1943

NLS

Our Wonderful Railways - CB3/28

1944

NLS

Billy and Betty - CB4/20

1944

NLS

Plain Sailing for Little Learners - CB4/31

NLS

The Chummy Animal Book - CB4/32

1945

NLS

The Chummy ??? Book - CB4/33

1945

NLS

The Happy Days Painting and Lettering Book - CB4/37

1945

NLS

Valentine chummy books [Which ones?]

1943

NLS

A Trip to ABC Land - CB43 No photos.

NLS

Busybodies in Poems and Pictures - CB44.

a.1948

NLS

'Do You Know?'

"Valentine's Toy Books are children's Joy Books"

Motor Cars - B613

©
©

©

Bryan Norfolk, who sent me images of the cover of this book and of two of the 24 cars that feature in the book (3 to a page) is keen to discover when this book was published.

Brian estimates c.1926/27. One of the cars in the book is a Rolls Royce 'New Phantom' that was introduced in 1925.

Bryan is a collector of cigarette and trade cards that feature the Austin Seven motor car of the 1920s/30s.

c.1926/27?

Priv (Lon)

Priv (Harp)

British Wild Birds - B616

Priv (Lon)

British Wild Flowers - B614

For sale £10 AbeBooks, 11/12

AND

Priv (Lon)

Wild Animals - B615

c.1920
(Diane Lawson)

Priv (Lon)

'Golden Thoughts'

booklets

As Big Ben Strikes (Allan Junior) - GT 620

Priv (VA USA)

At Memory's Call
A Little Book of Birthday Verses (Allan Junior)
9 x 13cm

1920

For sale £10

on AbeBooks, 11/12

Comforting Thoughts (Mabel Lucie Atwell)
9 x 13cm

1920

For sale at opening bid of £1.99 on eBay,

and at prices from £25 to ,,, on Amazon, 11/12

For Today (Mabel Lucie Atwell)
24mo. 16pp GT 616

c.1940

For sale at prices ranging from £25 to £85 on eBay, AbeBooks AND Amazon, 11/12

AND

Priv (Ed)

GT 616

For sale £60.57

AND £40.38

on AbeBooks, 11/12

AND

Priv
(Ed)

Get Well
- And Other Verses of Good Cheer (Allan Junior) GT 603

3.5ins x 5 ins = 9 x 13cm

1920

For sale (£10 for 3 booklets)
on AbeBooks, 11/12

AND

Priv
(Vic, Aus)

Golden Thoughts about Father (Allan Junior)

(Allan Junior) - GT 615

Posted 28 Jan 1945
(possibly new then)

For sale

opening bid £1.99

on eBay,11/12

AND

Priv (VA)

Golden Thoughts about Father (Allan Junior)

16pp "incl charming colour ills. (9 x 13cm)"

c.1920

For Sale: £5
on AbeBooks, 11/12

Golden Thoughts about Mother (Allan Junior)

(Allan Junior) - GT 604

Posted 28 Jan 1945
(possibly new then)

Priv (VA)

Golden Thoughts for the Silent Minute Fellowship (Allan Junior) - GT 18

Priv (W Mid)

In God's Care (Allan Junior)
32mo.

undated

For Sale: £6.50
on AbeBooks, 11/12

Little Psalms of the Months - GT 618 3.5ins x 5 ins

Priv (Kent)

In My Garden and Other Verses (Allan Junior)
- GT ~~6058~~ GT 605 3.5 x 5 ins = 9 x 13cm

Thank you to Michelle Neve, Stockport, Greater Manchester for telling me that her Gran had a copy of this book.

There is no date printed in the book, but '8 August 1944' has been written on the book.

For sale (£10 for 3 booklets)
on AbeBooks, 11/12

AND

Priv

Rhymes for the Times (Allan Junior)
32mo. 16pp.

1920

For Sale £1
on AbeBooks, 11/12

Sweetheart o' Mine (Allan Junior) - GT 610

Inscribed from the owner's mother by the owner's father: December 1945.

Priv (London)

The owner of another copy of this book tells me that the book was sent to her grandfather by her grandmother.

She believes this would have been around the time of their marriage in 1920.

Priv
(Birmingham)

Thank you to Robert Hughes for sending the photograph of this book cover.

Robert tells me that the book was sent by his mother to his father during wartime. He would guess that it was printed during the wartime i.e. 1939-45.

Priv
(South Wales)

The Golden Booklet of Wedding Anniversary Verses (Allan Junior) - GT 609

Inscribed 11-11-1944

Priv (Essex)

This England (Compiled by John Allan. Book of poems by Wordsworth, Blake, Allan Junior, Browning, Rabbie Burns, etc.) GT3

This book appears to have been produced in at least two sizes. I have been told about book that are:
(a) 18cm x 12 cm and (b) 'Only 4ins x 2ins'

Date?

Priv (Lanc)

Priv
(SA, Aus)

Twenty-One To-day and other verses
(Allan Junior, illustrated by Anne Rochester) GT 602

1941

For sale £4.99

on eBay, 11/12

AND

Priv (N Yks)

Verses by Allan Junior (Margaret Kent) - GT 4

Thank you to George Smith, British Columbia, Canada who wrote:

"I wonder if Allan Junior is a nom de plume? - A catchall term for someone editing a variety of contributors perhaps?

Your site has some reference to an 'Allan Junior', a painter"

George added:

"Looking at the cover brought to mind my first ventures into reading. The style is reminiscent of books I read or had read to me in the 1930s.

We could not afford the 1st editions, so this series might date from the 1920s."

George Smith: Aug 4+5, 2008

Priv (NY)

Verses to Mother (Margaret Kent) - GT 628
(H Trevelyan-Thomson (Illus. Anne Rochester)

Date (handwritten inside): 1948

Priv (Leeds)

Wedding Day Salutations
(Allan Junior, illustrated by Anne Rochester) GT 613

1941

Priv (N Yks)

Priv (W Mid)

Welcome Little Stranger
(Allan Junior, illustrated by Anne Rochester) GT 621

1941

For sale £21.47
on AbeBooks, 11/12

AND

Priv (N Yks)

'Toys & Dolly'

Children's Books

Black Sambo - B219 (British Patent #1131

1913

Thank you to Yvonne Cain, now living in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia for telling me about many editions of Black Sambo' from other publishers, published at various dates from 1899 to 1971!

Yvonne added: "My son was given the book in 1973 and read it to his children and they loved it, but it's probable not the book to read nowadays. This book was by Helen Bannerman."

Other Children's Books

Aladdin

This book was illustrated in an eBay advert and
described as: "Die Cut Antique Shape Book,
Valentine & Sons, Chinese Boy Cover"

1907 *

This book was offered for sale on eBay in Jan 2012 for a 'Buy It Now' price of US$49.99 + shipping

The seller was in Mount Arlington, New Jersey, USA.

I don't know whether or not he found a buyer at that price.

* This is the date that was quoted in the eBay advert.

eBay
(NJ)

Beauty and the Beast

1907

Priv
(TX)

Babes in the Wood
Published by Valentine & Sons, Dundee, London, Montreal.
The owner of one copy of this book has asked me who the author was, and what is the value of this book..

I've also received the two messages below from owners of other copies of the same book.

1907

Priv
(OR)

"This is one of five 'book toys' that I acquired recently. All the books are shaped around the design of their front cover. This one is numbered B129 inside the front page. These books came from a lady who had them as a child in the 1920s, but I'm unsure if they were new at the time."

Jeremy Culpin, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire: Feb 28, 2009

owned by a child in 1920s

Priv
(Camb)

"Here is a photo of the cover of my book. There is no number and no mention of a series on this book. The first page just says: 'The Babes in the Wood', Valentine & sons, 1907 LTD. Dundee, London and Montreal"

And then there follows the story with an illustration on each facing page. The final page is followed by an illustration on the inside back cover. The outside back cover looks exactly like the front cover. The story is on eleven two-sided pages, plus inside back cover."

Dianne Stevens, Wisconsin, USA: Aug 24+25, 2015

owned by a child in 1920s

Priv
(WI)

Baby Bunting

"This is one of five 'book toys' that I acquired recently. All the books are shaped around the design of their front cover. This one is numbered B111 inside the front page. These books came from a lady who had them as a child in the 1920s, but I'm unsure if they were new at the time."

Jeremy Culpin, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire: Feb 28, 2009

owned by a child in 1920s

Priv
(Camb)

Canny Tales from Aberdeen
compiled by Allan Junior, Illustrated by Gregor McGregor.

18th ed.
March 1927

Priv
(Lon)

Now You Tell One
stories of Irish wit and humour by George A Birmingham

2nd ed.
1927

Priv
(Lon)

The Cow

no date

Priv
(TX)

Dick Whittington

Jeremy Culpin, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire: Feb 28, 2009

1907

Priv
(TX)

owned by a child in 1920s

Priv
(Camb)

The Collie Dog

"The dimensions of this book are 6 1/4 ins x 3 9/16 ins. Can you tell me if there is any way to discover how much this book might be worth?"

Elaine Haas, Laurel, Maryland, USA: January 14, 2012

1907 *

This book was offered for sale on eBay in Jan 2012 for a 'Buy It Now' price of US$49.99 + shipping

The seller was in Mount Arlington, New Jersey, USA.

I don't know whether or not he found a buyer at that price.

* This is the date that was quoted in the eBay advert.

Priv
(MD)

eBay
(NJ)

The Lucky White Rabbit

"This little children's book was given by cousins to my grand-aunt who was born in 1906"

Jane Knapp, Marion, Iowa, USA: December 2+14, 2012

Date?

I would expect it to be
early-1900s, like
'The Collie Dog'
book above.

Priv
(IA)

The Doll's House

Jeremy Culpin, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire: Feb 28, 2009

Priv
(NY)

Valentine & Sons Ltd
1907

Priv
(TX)

Date (as a gift): Oct 1915

Priv
(NV)

owned by a child in 1920s

Priv
(Camb)

The Elephant

Date (as a gift): Oct 1915

Priv
(NV)

Hansel & Gretel

1907

Priv
(TX)

Jack the Giant Killer

1907

Priv
(TX)

The Horse

no date

Priv
(TX)

The Lucky White Rabbit

A book in the shape of a rabbit

early 1900s?

Priv
(KS)

Merry and Bight

"This is one of five 'book toys' that I acquired recently. All the books are shaped around the design of their front cover. This one is numbered B121 inside the front page. These books came from a lady who had them as a child in the 1920s, but I'm unsure if they were new at the time."

Jeremy Culpin, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire: Feb 28, 2009

owned by a child in 1920s

Priv
(Camb)

Noah's Ark

1907

Priv
(TX)

Rock-a-Bye-Baby
Mabel Lucie Attwell, No author, A cut-out shaped book made of hard cardboard, approx 7-8 pages.

Given Christmas1921

Priv (Warr)

Sister Susie and the Twins
Mabel Lucie Attwell, No author. A cut-out shaped book made of hard cardboard with approx 7-8 pages.

Given Christmas1921

Priv (Warr)

Stories
told by Sir James Taggart

8th ed.
1927

Priv (Lon)

Taffy Tales from Walsh Wales
compiled by C W Miles, Illustrated by Harry Low

1926

Priv (Lon)

The Tale of Little Priscillia Purr

Priv

The Tale of Peter Pusskin

Priv

The Tale of Tabby Twins

Priv (LSA)

The Tale of the Naughty Kitty Cat (illustrations by Louis Wain)

Request

Please e-mail me if you have a copy of this book. The owner of this book hopes to repair it but needs to know what is written on the spine.

Thank you to Katharine who replied from Lytham St Annes, saying "I don’t have the title mentioned, but another in the series – The Tale of the Tabby Twins. In answer to your question, it is only the title that is written on the spine.

Acknowledgement: Diana Black, Wakarusa, Indiana, USA January 28, 2009

Reply

Thank you to Nigel Wallace, York, Yorkshire, England for telling me that the title 'THE TALE OF THE NAUGHTY KITTY CAT' is written along the spine of this book in brown letters.

I had originally thought that this book might have been published around 1924 because the copy above has the date 'Easter 1924' written on it. However, Nigel tells me that others believe that the book would have been published around 1920.

Acknowledgement: Nigel Wallace, York, Yorkshire, England:
May 24, 2012

c.1920?

Priv (IN)

Priv (York)

'Valtay Books'

The numbers suggest that these may also be part of the Chummy Books series.

Valtay is presumably an abbreviation of Valentines on the River Tay

Ships Past and Present - CB4/30

a.1946?

NLS

The Happy Days Painting and Lettering Book - CB4/37

1945

NLS

My Favourite Farm Book - CB6/40

a.1947

NLS

Other Books

The Lady of the Lake

Message 1

The owner of this book writes:

"Neither the cover, the spine nor the title page of the book list the author, but it is undoubtedly Sir Walter Scott's six cantos of poetry.

There are twelve illustrations among the 192 pages measuring 9 1/2 cm x 12 1/2 cm.

The cover is a red, blue, gold and white plaid padded cloth that appears to have been very well preserved in a heavy clear cellophane wrap.

The inscription inside the book reads that it was bought on Aug 17 ~25,at Lake Katrine, Scotland.

If you or your contacts know anything more about this book, would you please let me know?"

If you can provide any more information, please e-mail me.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs November 29, 2007

<1913

Priv (TX)

The Lady of the Lake

Message 2

Thank you to Brian Marshall, Erdington, West Midlands for sending me more information about this book

Brian's comments included the following:

"The book has a padded tartan cover and gilt edging to the pages. It is still in its original cardboard box.

The book is undated, but has a message and hand-drawn masonic symbol on the flyleaf. The message is dated July 29, 1912."

Message received: February 22, 2010

The Lady of the Lake

Message 3

Ted Gilliver wrote:

"This is a little book 8.5cm x 6.0 cm, covered in McGregor tartan, with illustrations. I have had it for many years."

Ted Gilliver, Christchurch, New Zealand: April 4, 2009

Publ:

Valentine & Anderson Ltd, Edinburgh. That's not a company that I knew of. *

Valentine & Sons Ltd., Dundee and London.

* However, but I've now been told of another similar book

See 'Mary Queen of Scots' below.

Priv (NZ)

Merrie England in Verse and Pictures (Allan Junior)

Priv (Essex)

The Romance of Mary Queen of Scots

Bob Street, Canada, wrote:

"I have a first edition of this book, with soft cover and various pictures in the book."

Pr (Can)

Scottish Wit & Humour - humorous short stories + poems

1908

St A

Telling the Time Big Ben A Clock Book in Rhyme

Marlene, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, wrote:

"I received this book from my grandparents as a child. I can't find a date on it, which is what started my search, but it says Printed and Published by Valentine & Sons, Ltd., Dundee and London. Branches Cape Town, Melbourne, Toronto, etc. Would you know approximately the date for this book? I'd appreciate any information possible."

Marlene, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
April 29 + May 1, 2011

Please click on the thumbnail images above to enlarge the pictures and read some of the verse.

Probably 1923 or earlier

but see COMMENT + UPDATE below.

Priv (Can)

COMMENT

I reached this conclusion about the likely date of this book after reading that Valentine & Sons sold off their overseas businesses in 1923.

Ref: Valentine Collection booklet, published by University of St Andrews

UPDATE

Marlene wrote again on May 5, 2011, telling me that she thinks the book probably dates from the 1950s.

So my conclusion about the date of the book may not be reliable.

Does anybody else have any views on this topic?

The Aberdeen Jew (Allan Junior)
illustrations by Gregor McGregor, 36pp

Ackn: Lyn, Ontario, Canada

1927

Priv (Sun)

The Children's Own Hymn Book

July 1909

Priv (Gwe)

To Fairy Dell

Priv

3. English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh Books
'Birthday Series'
Shakespeare Birthday Book Subtitle: The Poet's Homeland Dave Shannon, Denia, Costa Blanca, Spain: January 4+5, 2010	Publ: Valentine & Son, Dundee, London, Edinburgh.	Priv (Spain)
'Gem Selection'
Songs of Ireland Illustrated from drawings by J F O'Hea and John Carey, with historical and bibliographical annotations by C F Conin. Karen Cranford wrote: "I'm interested in learning: - the history of the book - it's publishing date - if there are any other copies or reprints. I'm also interested in restoring the book as it has family history behind it. Any information kindly welcomed." Karen Cranford, Newfoundland, Canada, May 28, 2008	Publ: Valentine & Sons Ltd., Dublin	Priv (NF, Can)
If you think you might be able to answer any of Karen's questions, please email me then I'll pass your message on to her. Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: May 31, 2008.	Publ: Valentine & Sons Ltd., Dublin	Priv (NF, Can)
'Rose Series'
Selections from Shakespeare (268 pages, 16 illustrations) Janice Chambers, Derbyshire, England, added: "My copy of this book is hand-painted on the front and the written inscription inside the first page says that it was given as a gift in 1920. Do you happen to know whether these books are rare, whether there were many printed or how much it would have cost back then?"	<1925	Priv + Priv (Der)
I don't know how many copies of this book were printed. I would not have expected it to be expensive when new. I don't know its value now. Perhaps somebody else might be able to answer these questions. If you know any of the answers, please email me. Thank you. Peter Stubbs: March 13, 2010	<1925	Priv + Priv (Der)
© Selections from the Ballads, Poems and Songs of Alfred Lord Tennyson, Poet Laureate (with illustrations) Sandra McGechan wrote: "There is an inscription in pencil in this book, dating it to around 1914. It would be great if you could tell me anything about the book. Is it rare or were they quite common?" Sandra McGechan, Macclesfield, Cheshire, England: July 25, 2009 Laura Simsen also has a copy of this book. Laura wrote: "There is note in grey lead in my book, with the date 1906 written Laura Simsen, Australia, 21 May 2013	c.1906	Priv (Ches) Priv (Aus)
Selections from Poems, Ballads and Sonnets of William Wordsworth (12 illustrations) Shakespeare	no date	Priv (Wrex)
Selections of Poems, Ballads and Sonnets from William Wordsworth, No2 (12 illustrations)	no date	Priv
Selections of Old English Ballads (10 illustrations) Kim Hesbon wrote: "This book is 6cm x 9cm with a red tartan cover. My uncle sent it to my Mom from England in 1942." Kim Hesbon: Windsor, Ontario, Canada: Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook: October 20, 2009	no date <1943	Priv (Can)
'The Thistle Library Series'
Edinburgh of Today or Walks Around Scotland's Capital Thank you to JeryLyn Harrington who wrote: "I have a small book from 'The Thistle Library Series' published by Valentine Sons, Limited, entitled, 'Edinburgh of Today' by Oliphant Smeaton with illustrations. There is a note in the front of the book that dates it back to the early part of the of the 1900s, before the 1st World War." JeryLyn Harrington: June 29, 2013 ©	Publ: Valentine & Sons Ltd., Dundee, Edinburgh and London. pre-1st World War	Priv
Mary Queen of Scots Scottie wrote: "I also have the very same book as 'The Lady of the Lake' (above) - except for the title, mine being ,Mary Queen of Scots'. Above the title are the words 'Thistle Series'. Both books are the same size and have the same padded silk tartan cover." Scottie: October 3, 2010 Thank you to Jack Simcox for telling me that he also has a copy of the Valentine book, 'Mary Queen of Scots' and for sending me a copy of these pages from the book. ©	Publ: Valentine & Sons Ltd., Dundee and London.	Priv
The Lady of the Lake This is a small book with a tartan cover. Julie Scott Geelong, Victoria, Australia, wrote: "I've just picked up this book at auction. Can you tell me when it was published, or anything else about it?" Can anybody help to answer this question?.	?	Priv (Vic, Aus)
Other Books
95 Views of Abergele and North Wales (Valentine & Sons)	1907	Priv (KY)
350 Photographic Views of London Juel Leonard wrote: "I have a copy of this book. It belonged to my Aunt who died in 1945. Can anyone tell me who the photographer was or any other information about the book; Do you perhaps have any idea of the value of the book?" Juel Leonard, Chagrin Falls Ohio: August 1, 2010	1907	Priv (OH)
Killarney	1900	NLS
Liverpool, New Brighton & Birkenhead View Book Michael Burer wrote: "This book of artistic views measures 27cm x 25cm. It has 26 pages with sepia-toned whole page photos, including one of LIverpool Landing Stage with an ocean liner. Its cover is made of a brownish sort of carton paper and portrays: - Right-bottom corner: a stork in a circle with a leaf in its beak - Left upper corner of the cover: Neptune and a Merman (no Maid as he's wearing a beard and blowing a horn). Between them they are holding a shield. Upon it is the same stork as mentioned before. Underneath is a banner with Latin inscription: 'deus mobis hec otia pecit'. Across the whole front is printed 'Liverpool' in orange red with black outlining, as are the storks. The frontispiece is a drawing of what appears to be Liverpool Cathedral. Michael W Burer	Valentine & Sons Ltd., Dundee and London. No date - approx 1940? The owner would be very keen to know more about this book and when it was published. The book is signed and dated by the owner's father: 24 October 1942.	Priv
Photographic Views of Windsor (16 plates) David Lodge tells me:: "I am trying to discover when this book was published. One of the plates shows a leaner-looking Victoria with Albert above two captions - "Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way," and "Windsor Castle - Statue of The Queen and Prince Consort," leads me to believe the book was published after he died in 1861 and before she died in 1901. It is possible it was released closer to his death than hers. What do you think?"	?	Priv
Poems by Robert Burns Don Holmes, Nottingham, wrote: "I have a pocket edition of poems by Robert Burns with a gold finish to the edges of the pages. The cover is in tartan and the book has illustrations. The book was given to my wife's grandmother in 1919 and is in first class condition and has the original cardboard box."	Publ: Valentine & Sons Ltd., Dundee, Edinburgh and London 1919 or earlier	Priv (Not)
This England David Shurrock, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, wrote: "I acquired this book in a box bought from a boot sale and wondered if you can give me any information about it. i.e. date, value, are they photos or something else?" I am not familiar with this book, so cannot answer the questions that David asks. Perhaps somebody else will know the answers. Thank you to Donna James for giving more info below.	?	Priv (Buck)
This England © © © © Donna wrote: "This is a lovely little book that I bought". It is described as 'A Pictorial Memento of the scenic loveliness that lies within the land which the King calls "Our Own Dear Home".' The book is postcard format, 18cm x 12cm, staple-bound with 64 plates in full colour, each page with a line or two of verse appropriate to the scene." The list of views that Donna sent to me includes several of London, and others form throughout England - Christchurch, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Ilkley Land's End, Maidstone, Minehead, Norfolk, Oxford Stratford-on-Avon, Weymouth, Whitby, Windsor, Windermere, etc., etc. Donna James: May 31 + (3 emails) June 1, 2014	No date, but based on the quotation on the frontispiece: "Our Own Dear Home" quote from the King." it may be c1940-52.	Priv (ON, Can)
Views of London (Photographic View Album) Bill Summers, Wales, tells me that one of his relatives has a copy of this book. It has 23 views of London	?	Priv
Views of London Derek tells me about another book with the same title as above, but with more photos. - Title on the cover : 'Views of London - Title on front page: Photographic View Album of London - Photos: 28, some full-page, some half-page. - Cover: hard, black with gold bands + gold lettering - Size: 8.9 ins x 6.75 ins. Derek, at one time, had 3 or 4 books in this series, but of other cities. He believes that one of them had photos of Birmingham.	Probably early-1900s. (All the transport in the photos is horse drawn.) Derek would like to find a way of dating this book more accurately.	Priv
Views of Westminster Abbey Desha Smith wrote: "The cover of this book is black with gold detailing, including the Royal Crest. It has 16 black+white photos of Royal Views in and around Westminster Abbey." ©	?	Priv (PA)