The Story of E. H. Shepard: The Man Who Drew Pooh

A richly illustrated biography of one of the foremost children’s book artists of the 20th century, who gained international fame as the illustrator of Winnie–the–Pooh. Beautifully produced with more than 150 examples of his work.

Winnie-the-Pooh illustrator Shepard, who died in 1976, asked in his will that a full biography not be written until 30 years after his death. Chandler, archivist at the University of Surrey, which houses the Shepard collection, sneaks around this stipulation by offering "a look through the Shepard Archive" instead of a biography. Following the artist's life from birth to death, Chandler tells biographical stories only as they relate to documents in the collection. The result is a well-written, highly personal, extensively illustrated portrait that reveals the artist's rich body of work beyond the creation of his famous bear. Readers who want the story of Pooh won't be disappointed, but Shepard's outstanding childhood sketches and wonderful, randy cartoons drawn for his wife are just as compelling. Although readers with a serious interest in children's literature are the most obvious audience for this somewhat specialized volume, Pooh's celebrity will attract nostalgic browsers. Gillian Engberg
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