Rupert: The Daily Express Annual

by Alfred Bestall

116 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 2009

About the author

Alfred Edmeades "Fred" Bestall, MBE (died in Porthmadog, Wales), was the author and illustrator of Rupert Bear for the London Daily Express, from 1935 to 1965.

Bestall produced his last Rupert story on 22 July 1965. He retired from the Daily Express in July 1965, but continued creating Annual publication covers until 1973.

Bestall also drew illustrations for the Whitcombe's Story Book, a form of children's reader published in Australasia by Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd. These books were undated; but Bestall's work appears in the 500 numbers, possibly published in the 1950s.

Bestall died on 15 January 1986, aged 93, at Wern Manor Nursing Home in Porthmadog, Wales.[1] He is buried in plot 100 of Brookwood Cemetery.

Reviews

[Martyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection yet again. Alfred Bestall never fails to bring great pleasure with his consistently wonderful atmospheric and evocative illustrations. All the typical stories set in the most perfect and homely England possibly, a world of unspoilt natural beauty, comfort, simplicity, honesty - and all feeling perfectly believable and achievable!

[Alicia Antonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh MY! How exciting. I have the original in a box in my storage somewhere... one of my faves <3

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Dad kept his Rupert Annuals from childhood and shared them with us when we were growing up. I loved these books! Rupert has many adventures with hot air balloons, international travel, fairies and magic, sea monsters, but always comes home to his Mum and Dad for tea in the end.