
The series begins with Swallows and Amazons, published in 1930. There is also the British-based group, The Arthur Ransome Society, which has an international membership. The first was the Arthur Ransome Club in Japan. There are also several societies dedicated to the study and promotion of Ransome's work which are largely inspired by the series. It is part of the basis for a large tourist industry in the Lake District and Norfolk Broads, where many of the books are set.


The series remains popular for its idyllic, yet often realistic, depiction of childhood and the interplay between youthful imagination and reality. The stories revolve around outdoor activities, especially sailing.

The 12 books involve adventures by groups of children during school vacations, mostly in England and Scotland, between the two World Wars. The Swallows and Amazons series of children's books by Arthur Ransome is named after the title of the first book in the series. a gigantic saga of over a million words ( Christina Hardyment, CFT1) ( Arthur Ransome to Ernestine Evans, SFM 1931). My notion is to go on and on and build up a regular row of these books. 1943, illustrations by the author Great Northern? 1947, illustrations by the author. 1941, illustrations by the author (dustjacket with pasted price label of 8' 6 on front flap, propaganda piece 'London Calling Overseas' on rear flap The Picts and The Martyrs. 1940, illustrations by the author Missee Lee. 1939, illustrations by the author The Big Six. Provenance: Barbara Davis (ownership inscription on black recto of frontispiece) Pigeon Post, 1936, illustrations by the author Secret Water.

The set comprises: Swallows & Amazons, 1930, illustrations by Steven Spurrier Swallowdale, 1931, illustrations by Clifford Webb, publisher's advertisement loosely inserted Peter Duck, 1932, illustrations by the author Winter Holiday, 1933, illustrations by the author Coot Club, 1934, illustrations by the author (lacking erratum slip). Original publisher's cloth and dustjackets. London: Jonathan Cape: 1930-1947.įirst editions, first issues of a complete set of Ransome's iconic children's books.ġ2 volumes, octavo (198 x 136mm).
