posted on 03 Nov 2016

A Apple Pie by Kate Greenaway

Books introducing young children to the alphabet are some of the most common you will find in any selection of books for those just starting out on the reading adventure. Not only are they ubiquitous, they have also become daring and innovative and there are book designs that are a million miles away from the traditional A (is for) Apple Pie as represented by this Kate Greenaway example.

However, these older examples also have their merits – especially when they are in the hands of hugely talented artists like Greenaway. Her style is now immediately recognisable although to some tastes she is a bit sugary and twee. However, I think that might be the  consequence of over-exposure and over-commercialisation because her drawings are more substantial than the stereotype of the chocolate box or biscuit barrel illustration might suggest.

This particular book dates from 1886 which places her in the sentimental High Victorian period of children’s book illustration but I would argue that her style – which supposedly draws on an earlier period of Georgian social life – does in fact have influences of both William Morris and The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in its execution.

The book has the most simple of simple constructions – an alphabet book built around the making and eating of an apple pie. The appeal of this to children is obvious and giving it a rudimentary narrative direction helps to make sure the child will keep turning the pages to find out the fate of the pie.

As you might expect, given the date this was published, the book is solidly aimed at the middle class child and no hint of diversity is to be found in the pink and healthy white, straight-limbed children – and, of course, gender roles are strictly traditionally observed. However, for all that, the quality of the drawing is undeniable and its appeal immediate. She’s an unfussy illustrator in that she gives the page plenty of breathing space and doesn’t go in for clutter – something which appeals to me at any rate.

New editions of Greenaway’s books are frequently reprinted and originals, such as the one illustrated here, attest to the fact that she remains very popular. You’ll have to pay quite a lot for a first edition – perhaps even three figures these days – but cheaper reproductions are available for a few pounds. I should warn you though that the quality of the reproductions is an issue – try and ensure you get something faithful to the original colour palette.

Terry Potter

November 2016