Your Basket is Empty
With a tradition of publishing that can be traced back through family descent to the early-to-mid 18th century, London-based Dean & Son (as the company was known from 1847) were important British publishers, particularly of children's books. They were one of the earliest adopters of chromolithography to produce colour illustrations in volume, but they were also great innovators, especially when it came to the production of children's books with moving parts.
These sorts of books, sometimes labelled as 'juvenalia' or 'toy books', became immensely popular in the Victorian era, and Dean were at the forefront of the fashion. The company even set up a workshop dedicated to the design and manufacture of movable books, which saw the range evolve from relatively simple folded illustrations to more complex tab- & ribbon-operated designs and even fully blown 'pop-up' books, much to the delight of Victorian children who had previously only regarded books as educational tools. Dean & Son produced more than fifty of these movable books during the latter half of the nineteenth century, establishing them as the leading producer of such works at the time, although more companies were by then desperately trying to cash in on the trend. The production costs for such books were high, so print-runs were relatively small; as a result these books can be highly sought after these days, especially if in full working order.
During the early part of the 20th century Dean & Son continued to be a prolific children's books publisher, commissioned for example by Disney Studios to produce pop-up editions of works such as Mickey Mouse in King Arthur's Court for the UK market. They also produced 'rag books', using a patented process to print on linen, designed to the make the books almost indestructible. Dean established themselves as one of the best publishers of popular and attractive illustrated editions of works by well-known authors, including Enid Blyton and Captain W.E. Johns, and often illustrated by well-regarded artists of the day, such as John Hassall. By the later part of the 20th century the company was less prolific, getting caught up in the various mergers, takeovers and part-acquisitions that are all too familiar to anyone with an interest in 20th century publishing history. The company was dissolved in 2021, a shame given its key role over almost 300 years perhaps, but thankfully their high-quality productions, such as the ones below, remain to remind us of their contribution to publishing!
A collection of short stories depicting air combat in the pioneer days of the Royal Flying Corps, presenting Biggles in some of his most exciting aeronautic adventures (and possibly featuring some of the best Biggles cover artwork). The stories were originally serialised in The Modern Boy in 1932, and continue to thrill to this day. Dean published Biggles & Co. titles from the 1950s to the 1970s.
A classic Dean publication from the 1940s, aimed at younger children. That this particular copy has in places been enhanced by an enthusiastic juvenile artist simply adds to the appeal, in our opinion...
A charming example of Dean's representation of Walt Disney's films for the UK market; this book was published to coincide with the 1950 Disney film Cinderella, and features 'magic images' to be viewed through special 3D glasses (not present in this case alas). An uncommon book.
Ideal Book For Boys supplies a delightful dose of nostalgia, ten wonderful adventure stories to inspire children and any adult's inner child alike, making it the perfect vintage Christmas gift.
A gorgeous decorative vintage edition of Charles Kingsley's The Water-Babies. Tom, a poor orphan, is employed by the villainous chimney-sweep, Grimes, to climb up inside flues to clear away the soot. While engaged in this dreadful task, he loses his way and emerges in the bedroom of Ellie, the young daughter of the house who mistakes him for a thief. He runs away, and, hot and bothered, he slips into a cooling stream, falls fast asleep, and becomes a water baby...
A wonderful abridged copy of What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge, in attractively illustrated hardcover. Katy Carr is a troublesome child who is injured and bedridden due to an accident. Through her illness she learns to be a kinder and more generous person. This is the first book of the popular Katy Carr series.
A great example of one Dean's Enid Blyton publications, of which there were many. Dean had been one of Blyton's publishers since the 1920s, reprinting her works right up until the Noughties.
Filled with numerous verses accompanied throughout by illustrations and colour plates by Janet & Anne Grahame Johnstone (famously the original illustrators for Dodie Smith's The Hundred and One Dalmatians and The Starlight Barking). There are many well known rhymes within, such as 'Lucy Locket lost her pocket, Kitty Fisher found it: Not a penny in her purse, But a ribbon round it'.
With books that remain popular with children, vintage book collectors and, in the case of their earlier publications especially, even rare book collectors, Dean & Sons are a great publisher to form the base for a children's book collection. Famous authors and illustrators provide a touchstone for multiple generations, and the quality of production often means they stand the test of time well, particularly given the enthusiastic handling they've normally experienced by young darlings!
Comments will be approved before showing up.
ADD YOUR CHOOSEN BOOKMARK TO YOUR BASKET. DISCOUNT APPLIED WHEN YOU CHECKOUT
Trish
19 October, 2023
Hi I have Sonnetts from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browing
Which says in the cover opposite her photograph
London ec
Dean & Son Ltd
Please you can you tell whe when it was published and what edition if possible
The back says the Edinburgh press ltd
I can’t find out any more information
Many thanks