Opening The Box of Delights [new edition]

This sumptuous new edition celebrates the 40th anniversary of the much-loved television adaptation of The Box of Delights with 32 pages of new material, including the previously unpublished full rehearsal script of the first episode.

John Masefield's fantasy novel, The Box of Delights, is an enduring classic of children's literature.

The timeless adventure of schoolboy Kay Harker's Christmas encounter with scheming villains, a piratical rat and deadly wolves, a mysterious showman and his box of ancient magic, and good vanquishing evil in the cathedral town of Tatchester has thrilled and captivated generations of readers. Its many adaptations have contributed to the novel's enduring legacy.

Opening The Box of Delights is a richly illustrated celebration of the story in all its forms. More than three hundred pictures of illustrations, photographs, letters, manuscripts or designs illuminate a fascinating account of Poet Laureate Masefield's colourful life and career, the publishing history of the novel, its various illustrators - including Quentin Blake, Sara Ogilvie and the author's daughter Judith Masefield - and its adaptations across many media. There are new discoveries provided, unknown facts presented and many years of research revealed. Opening the Box of Delights also includes a hitherto unpublished section of Masefield's original text.

Acclaimed fantasy and sci-fi artist Andrew Skilleter has painted new cover art.