The Island Of Sodor – The Special Autograph Edition – Signed By Wilbert And George Awdry

Author: Wilbert Awdry and George Awdry
Price: £495.00
Edition: First edition
Publisher: Kaye & Ward, London, UK
Publication Date: 1987
Format: Original blue cloth gilt with dustwrapper
Condition: Very good plus, tight, clean copy in very good indeed dustwrapper
Size: 16.5cm x 23.5cm
Pages: 154

Description:

“The Island of Sodor: The Special Autograph Edition” is a sought-after volume for fans of the beloved “Thomas the Tank Engine” series. Authored by Rev. W. Awdry and George Awdry, this book explores the rich lore of Sodor, the fictional island where the tales unfold. It covers the genesis of Sodor, its places, people, history, and famous locomotives. Published by Kaye & Ward in 1987, this first edition is signed by both Wilbert and George Awdry on the official bookplate on the front paste-down. The book has very minor toning to the front free endpaper and is in very good plus, tight, clean condition in very good indeed slightly faded and creased dustwrapper which has a small amount of foxing to the flaps. Scarce and a very nice copy.

Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry: A Short Biography

Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry, commonly known as Rev. W. Awdry, was a British clergyman and author best known for creating the Railway Series, which features the famous character Thomas the Tank Engine. His stories about trains with human characteristics, set on the fictional Island of Sodor, have captivated generations of children and have become iconic in children’s literature and television.

Early Life:

• Born: June 15, 1911, in Ampfield, Hampshire, England.
• Wilbert Awdry’s love for trains began in childhood when he lived near a railway line. The sounds of the trains, particularly one climbing a nearby gradient and struggling with its load, became a key influence on his future stories.
• He attended St Peter’s Hall, Oxford, and became ordained as a clergyman in the Church of England in 1936.

Creation of the Railway Series:

• The origins of the Railway Series date back to the 1940s when Awdry created stories to entertain his son, Christopher, who was bedridden with measles. He used trains to teach moral lessons and modelled the engines’ personalities on real-life locomotives he had observed.
• The first book, The Three Railway Engines, was published in 1945. It introduced readers to characters like Edward, Gordon, and Henry. It was an immediate success, leading to further stories.
• The most famous character, Thomas the Tank Engine, was introduced in the second book, Thomas the Tank Engine (1946). Thomas quickly became a favourite among children, eventually becoming the star of the series.

The Railway Series:

The Railway Series comprises 26 books written by Awdry, all set on the fictional Island of Sodor. The series draws heavily from Awdry’s knowledge of trains and railway operations, incorporating detailed information about engines, tracks, and signal boxes. Each engine has a distinct personality, and the stories are often based on real-life railway events, albeit with a touch of fantasy and whimsy.

Some key books in the series include:

1. The Three Railway Engines (1945)
2. Thomas the Tank Engine (1946)
3. James the Red Engine (1948)
4. Troublesome Engines (1950)
5. Gordon the Big Engine (1953)
6. Duck and the Diesel Engine (1958)
7. The Little Old Engine (1959)

Themes and Style:

• Awdry’s stories often feature themes of teamwork, responsibility, and the importance of learning from mistakes. The engines, with their distinct personalities, often get into trouble due to arrogance or disobedience, but they always learn lessons that help them work better together.
• His love for railway mechanics and history is evident in the series. He modelled many of the engines after real locomotives, paying attention to details like design, size, and function.

Television Adaptation:

• In 1984, the stories were adapted for television as Thomas & Friends. The series used model trains and detailed miniature sets to bring the stories to life. Ringo Starr, former drummer of The Beatles, narrated the first two seasons, further boosting the show’s popularity.
• Over the years, the show expanded globally, introducing new characters and storylines, but it always retained the essence of Awdry’s original vision.

Christopher Awdry:

• Wilbert Awdry’s son, Christopher Awdry, also became an author and continued the Railway Series after his father’s retirement. He wrote several additional books in the series, continuing the legacy of Thomas and his friends.

Personal Life and Legacy:

• Awdry retired from writing in 1972, but his stories continued to gain popularity. He was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1996 for his contributions to children’s literature.
• Died: March 21, 1997, at the age of 85.

Rev. W. Awdry’s Railway Series and the character of Thomas the Tank Engine remain integral parts of children’s entertainment, with books, TV shows, toys, and theme parks continuing to introduce new generations to the Island of Sodor. Awdry’s ability to blend educational elements, railway mechanics, and moral lessons into entertaining stories made him one of the most influential figures in children’s literature.

Why Collect This Edition?

This special autographed edition of “The Island of Sodor” serves as an important guide and a deep dive into the ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ series, making it an invaluable part of any collector’s library.

Why Buy From Us?

At Hornseys, we are dedicated to providing items that exemplify the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of rare books is meticulously curated to ensure each edition is a valuable piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

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Explore our collection and add this remarkable signed first edition of “The Island of Sodor: The Special Autograph Edition” to your collection today, exclusively available at Hornseys. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and collectors since 1976.