Paddington Marches On By Michael Bond

Author: Michael Bond
Price: £30
Publisher: Collins, London, UK
Edition: First edition, second impression
Publication Date: 1965
Format: Original cloth gilt with dustwrapper
Condition: Very good plus in very good dustwrapper
Size: 14.2cm x 20.3cm
Pages: 128

Description:

 
Binding nice and tight. Pages nice and clean. Slight bumping to the cloth. Very good plus in good price-clipped dustwrapper which is a little nicked, spine-faded, marked and rubbed and has repaired closed tears to the front panel and rear hinge. The list of titles on the rear panel has a neat list of ticks against each title with the last title being ‘Paddington at work’ which was not issued until 1966 so this dustwrapper is later than 1965 but certainly appears to be the original.

‘Paddington Marches On’: A Brief Account

 
“Paddington Marches On” follows the ever-curious bear from darkest Peru as he embarks on another delightful collection of adventures, once again bringing chaos, charm, and cheer to the lives of the Brown family. With his trademark politeness, earnest intentions, and a knack for stumbling into unexpected situations, Paddington manages to turn the most ordinary moments into unforgettable escapades.

The book is structured as a series of connected episodes, each showcasing Paddington’s unique perspective on everyday life. Whether he is at home in Windsor Gardens or out exploring London, he always finds himself caught up in situations that spiral amusingly out of control — yet somehow, through wit or accident, things often turn out surprisingly well.

The story begins with Paddington becoming deeply interested in do-it-yourself home improvement. Inspired by the idea of being helpful, he decides to redecorate the Brown family’s sitting room. Predictably, the outcome is far from what he intended. A spilt tin of paint, confusion over wallpaper paste, and some ambitious ideas involving stencils result in a colourful disaster — one that requires quick thinking and plenty of clearing up.

In another episode, Paddington becomes fascinated by the idea of fortune telling. Donning a headscarf and using a fishbowl as a crystal ball, he sets up shop as “Paddington the Great” — offering predictions to passers-by. Despite knowing very little about the art of clairvoyance, he manages to make surprisingly accurate guesses, baffling and impressing his “clients.” That is, until a misunderstanding involving a neighbour leads to an unfortunate but humorous mix-up, requiring some gentle intervention from Mrs Brown.

One of the most memorable chapters sees Paddington take part in a local dramatic performance. Cast in a play at the town hall, he takes his role extremely seriously, rehearsing with great enthusiasm and an abundance of marmalade sandwiches for energy. However, during the live performance, stage fright, costume confusion, and an unexpected collapse of scenery all contribute to a gloriously muddled spectacle — one that nevertheless brings the house down and earns Paddington a standing ovation. A further escapade unfolds when Paddington is sent on an errand to the chemist’s. What should have been a simple trip becomes a farcical adventure involving a mix-up over prescription labels, a runaway trolley, and a confused policeman. True to form, Paddington remains politely insistent throughout, never losing his sense of purpose — even when he ends up in quite the wrong place with entirely the wrong parcel.

The final episode centres around a special visit from a surprise guest, prompting Paddington to take it upon himself to prepare a celebratory meal. His approach to cooking — based more on imagination than instruction — leads to unusual ingredient combinations and questionable culinary techniques. Yet somehow, despite the smoke, the mess, and Snowy getting dusted with flour, the result is declared a triumph, with everyone agreeing that life is never dull with Paddington around.

Throughout “Paddington Marches On”, the bear’s irrepressible optimism, good manners, and unwavering belief in doing the right thing shine through. Each chapter ends on a note of gentle humour and warmth, reminding readers that mistakes can be mended, intentions matter more than perfection, and a marmalade sandwich can often help mend most things. This book celebrates the quiet joys of everyday life through the eyes of someone who sees the world with fresh curiosity. Whether decorating walls, telling fortunes, or treading the boards, Paddington marches on — with determination, dignity, and a suitcase full of heart.

Michael Bond: A Short Biography

 
Michael Bond was a British author best known for creating Paddington Bear, one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature. His career as a writer spanned over six decades, during which he wrote numerous Paddington books, as well as other works for children and adults.

Early Life and Career:

• Born: January 13, 1926, in Newbury, Berkshire, England.
• Bond grew up in Reading, Berkshire, where his love for storytelling began. He was an avid reader and had an early fascination with writing, though he initially pursued other careers.
• During World War II, Bond served in the Royal Air Force and later worked as a camera operator for the BBC.

Creation of Paddington Bear:

• The idea for Paddington Bear came to Michael Bond in 1956, when he saw a lonely teddy bear sitting on a shelf in a London shop near Paddington Station. Bond bought the bear as a gift for his wife and was inspired to create a character around it.
• Bond wrote the first book, A Bear Called Paddington, in just ten days. It was published in 1958, introducing the world to the small bear from Darkest Peru who arrives at Paddington Station with a note that reads, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.”
• The Paddington books were an immediate success, with readers falling in love with the bear’s politeness, curiosity, and well-meaning mishaps. Bond’s witty, warm writing style and the gentle humour of Paddington’s adventures made the series timeless.

Paddington Bear’s Impact:

• The Paddington Bear series has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide.
• Bond wrote more than 20 books about Paddington, including sequels such as More About Paddington, Paddington Helps Out, and Paddington at Large.
• Paddington became a British cultural icon, and the stories were adapted into multiple TV series, stage productions, and two highly successful live-action films, Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017), with Ben Whishaw providing the voice of Paddington.

Other Works:

• While Paddington Bear was his most famous creation, Michael Bond also wrote other children’s books. His series about Olga da Polga, a guinea pig with a lively imagination, was another favourite.
• Bond also wrote for adult audiences, including a series of detective novels featuring Monsieur Pamplemousse, a retired French detective and food critic who solves culinary-related mysteries with his loyal bloodhound, Pommes Frites.

Personal Life:

• Bond lived much of his life in London, close to Paddington Station, which played such a crucial role in inspiring his most famous creation.
• Despite his success as a writer, Bond remained modest and down-to-earth. He often expressed that he wrote Paddington stories because they made him happy, and he was always delighted by the bear’s popularity with readers of all ages.

Awards and Honours:

• In recognition of his contribution to children’s literature, Michael Bond was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1997 and later a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015.
• Paddington Bear’s influence has extended far beyond literature. In 2000, a statue of Paddington was unveiled at Paddington Station, and the character remains a beloved figure in British culture.

Death and Legacy:

• Michael Bond passed away on June 27, 2017, at the age of 91. His legacy endures through the enduring popularity of Paddington Bear, who continues to delight new generations of readers and viewers.
• Bond’s ability to create a character who embodied kindness, curiosity, and good manners made Paddington a universally beloved figure, one that resonated with readers across cultures and ages.

Bond’s warm, humorous stories have left a lasting impact, and his creation of Paddington Bear has cemented him as one of the great figures in 20th-century children’s literature.

Why buy from us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our book collection is meticulously curated to ensure that each edition is a valuable and authentic piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every book is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: Each book is selected with a keen eye for significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, books may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and books must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and signed books. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and collectors since 1976.

Thank you for looking.