Recently published by Girls Gone By, Jane Badger has written a great reference book, which is also doubles as a stimulating read, covering the development of the 'Pony Book' from the early 20th century through to the 1960/1970's. This is in no way a dry encyclopaedic type reference volume, but an interesting examination of the most significant pony book authors of this period, discussed in a lively and informative way, and illustrated throughout. Jane's own interest in and enthusiasm for these books shines through the book throughout.
'Heroines' has a great cover, illustrating a multitude of old favourites that I recognise from my own stock of pony books, and they are gorgeous books indeed. The contents of her book are well organized, including a history of the pony story covering the early Black Beauty style Pony Biography, progressing through Primrose Cumming and the famous Silver Snaffles, and devoting a chapter to the pony book in wartime. The Pullein-Thompson Family get their own chapter as does Monica Edwards. There are then several chapters covering several authors in the heyday of the1950's and 1960's, and a discussion of the pony books of the 1970's The book also contains a discussion on illustrators, short stories and annuals, so the content is really quite rigorous. I would thoroughly recommend this book as both a good read in its own right and a handy reference work on the subject of pony stories in the twentieth century.
We currently have a few copies of Jane Badger's Book for sale 'Heroines on Horse Back' at 16.00 while stocks last on our website at
http://www.peakirkbooks.com
