Lord protect us from Protectors!

[angevin2]

I have recently acquired a copy of Eleanor and Herbert Farjeon's Kings and Queens, on the grounds that I am addicted to didactic children's histories of England, particularly if they also rhyme and/or have illustrations, as this one does. It is of course quite charming

Comments

[gwynnega]

Oh dear. Creepy!!!

[cliosfolly]

Yikes! If I had nightmares about Richard III, this illustration would totally explain them. Even the rose on his hat brim seems menacing.

On a different note, you might like checking out the second season of the Muppet Show (I forget which episode, though I can look it up if you're interested)--there's an episode in which Zero Mostel plays Henry VIII rather horrifically.

[auriaephiala]

God save me from viewing THAT too often! The teeth, in particular, remind me of the Big Bad Wolf.

If that's a typical illustration, I think I wouldn't attempt a reread.

[angevin2]

The Richard III/BBW connection is traditional by now, I think -- thanks to Laurence Olivier and whoever designed the Disney version of the BBW. They were both based on Jed Harris.

[17catherines]

Although the one of William and Mary also gives me the creeps. THEY HAVE THE SAME FACE.

That's because they are, in fact, a single monarch, with the name 'Williamanmary'.

[17catherines]

I think that book was my introduction to British history - I certainly recall my father reading it aloud to us when I was in early primary school...

(I'm pretty sure my character has been permanently warped as a result)

[gillo]

The Answer was an Orange. (copyright Sellar and Yeatman...)

[gillo]

Not a lot of comfort for the Richard III Society there, I fear. Is it more or less reassuring to hear all the other monarchs look creepy too, though?