I came across a copy of Susan Cooper’s ‘Over Sea Under Stone’ at the weekend, illustrated by Margery Gill, c.1965. I love her energetic line work and the way she balances it with areas of bold black brushwork. Her composition is wonderful and the poses of her characters are so fluid and natural. - ThreadSky

keithrobinson.bsky.social • 89 days ago

I came across a copy of Susan Cooper’s ‘Over Sea Under Stone’ at the weekend, illustrated by Margery Gill, c.1965. I love her energetic line work and the way she balances it with areas of bold black brushwork. Her composition is wonderful and the poses of her characters are so fluid and natural.

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pierstorday.bsky.social•89 days ago

Gorgeous!

jacquisydney.bsky.social•89 days ago

Stunning! I’ve only read this and The Dark is Rising and (I probably shouldn’t say this) I preferred this one x

ianstaerck.bsky.social•2 days ago

Yes, I enjoyed it so much more than I expected to. I was led to believe it's inferior to what follows, but the atmosphere and the jeopardy were so expertly done, I enjoyed it more than the Dark Is Rising.

jacquisydney.bsky.social•2 days ago

There does seem to be a general belief that TDIR is ‘the one to read’ but I was left a bit disappointed after reading the first in the series and haven’t gone on to read the rest as a result.

ianstaerck.bsky.social•2 days ago

I enjoyed TDIR a few years ago (the first lockdown, in fact!) and fully intended to read the rest. It took me a while, as you can see. But it's reading OSUS that has made me want to get going with the rest. I listened to the recent BBC version of TDIR this Christmas - it was a great way back in. 😀👍

rachaelking70.bsky.social•89 days ago

Oh wonderful! I love her illustrations (and the novel). Could you post the cover please?

keithrobinson.bsky.social•89 days ago

I've loved the Dark is Rising sequence since I was a kid but I've never seen her illustrations. What a treat! The cover I found (in a holiday cottage) isn't by her and I think it was a canadian edition. Digging online, I've found this first edition cover that IS by her - isn't it great?!

rachaelking70.bsky.social•89 days ago

Yes it’s fantastic! I know I’ve seen it before but possibly only in pictures on the interweb (though pretty sure that illustration is in the 1970s edition I have). I’m also an embarrassing fan of TDIR sequence. I loved Gills illos for Ruth M Arthur too.

keithrobinson.bsky.social•89 days ago

It's about that time of year when The Dark is Rising has to be read again! I'm looking forward to reading The Grimmlings - it's on my book-pile! (It also has one of the best covers I've seen this year 😊)

rachaelking70.bsky.social•89 days ago

Thanks! I love it too.

ianstaerck.bsky.social•2 days ago

Wow - I love that midnight blue cover! Very atmospheric. I don't think that particular illustration is within the book, so it's lovely to see it. 😀👌

ianstaerck.bsky.social•2 days ago

Just finished reading my sister's old 80s edition with the iconic covers. Margery Gill's illustrations are fantastic for all the reasons you say. As a child, I never liked that style of drawing - I used to find it depressing somehow - but I'm beginning to appreciate it now.

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