What The Book Is About
This compelling study explores the extraordinary career of Raymond Briggs, whose work revolutionized the landscape of children’s picturebooks.
Published in October 2010 by Thames and Hudson
“This short, delightful illustrated biography evokes the man and mind behind The Snowman and Briggs’ other light-of-touch, deep-of-feeling, timelessly appealing stories, in the context of English social history”
Spanning over sixty years, the book explores Briggs’s stylistic versatility and thematic depth—from the humorous and grotesque to the tender and melancholic. Best known for beloved classics like The Snowman, Father Christmas, and When the Wind Blows, Briggs captured the imaginations of both children and adults with his unique blend of wit and emotional resonance. Central to his work are recurring themes of class, family, love, and loss, all delivered with his signature humour. Through this richly illustrated and deeply insightful examination, readers will discover how Briggs’s groundbreaking storytelling continues to shape the way we think about picture books and their power to speak across generations.
“It is wonderful to see these celebrations of our greatest illustrators … an inspiration to future generations”
“Nicolette Jones has written a beautiful book about [Raymond Briggs’s] life’s work.”