I wanted to stop wherever the flame of hope burned, and write of it, and even wherever the smallest flower of happiness grew, bend down to it and carefully note its design and color. Ludwig Bemelmans, from the Forward

In the aftermath of WWII, artist and writer Ludwig Bemelmans (1898-1962) revisited Europe in search of charm and happiness in the cities that he knew and loved once before. He thought this task would be simple and easy, because after all, Europe is exceptional in so many ways. But once he embarked on his trip he began to discover that people and places weren't quite what he had remembered. The war had changed people and impacted countries in ways he had not quite anticipated.  What he discovered was very much a tale of two cities like Chares Dickens had once described. The cities were changed in subtle and apparent ways. In this book, he sets out to capture the true landscapes of what he experienced in drawings and in words. 

Funny, sad, surprising, engaging and sentimental this book takes readers on a fascinating journey into Europe in the 1940s, as only Ludwig could describe and detail it. Full of his gorgeous artwork, you'll recognize both his signature style made famous by his Madeline children's book series and also his more whimsical sketches and drawings that capture life as he saw it. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

 - Fully illustrated throughout

 - Oversized

- Decorated cover boards and endpapers

- 188 pages

{CONDITION}

There are two tears along the top and bottom of spine (neither over 1.5" inches in length). Some very minor rub marks and light stains on cover boards. Some very light foxing on inside endpapers. Interior is in great shape. The spine is tight. All pages are intact and are clean and bright. Dust jacket is not included.

{SIZE}

Measures 10" inches (width) x 13" inches (length) x .75" inches (depth)

{STYLE IDEA}

Because The Best of Times is so interesting and beautifully put together, it is one of those books that you'll want to display open faced on your coffee table turned to a page that is colorful or a passage that is especially engaging.