Overview

There was once a general who wished to be famous and rule all the land. One day he fell off his horse and landed on the soft grass. It smelled so sweet that he decided to lay there for a while and enjoy the warm sunshine. He saw squirrels, rabbits and hedgehogs and walked through a field of beautiful flowers. From that day on he vowed never again to march his armies across the land and to change the world around him into one of peace and beauty, for which he became the most famous general of all. Michael Foreman OBE, one of the UK's best-loved and most prolific creators of children's books, illustrated The General, his first picture book, in 1961. Now, over sixty years later, it has been reproduced in all its glory, featuring new endnotes from the author and illustrator reflecting on the book's relevance now and then, bringing this well-loved and important story to a new generation.

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9781848771604

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A splendid 50th anniversary edition, this feels as pertinent now as it did when it was originally published The Bookseller This timeless picturebook, first published 50 years ago, is the story of a general who wants to be famous and keeps his troops well disciplined. Then one day he falls in love with nature and can't bear the thought of armies trampling flowers. He disbands his army, and sends his men to cultivate the land and make their country the most beautiful in the world. This brings him the fame he desires and makes him happy. ( And the Most famous General in the World lay back among the flowers and smiled at the sun. ) This fine new edition is both a work of art and a period piece. Michael Foreman's illustrations lie somewhere between Ronald Searle and John Piper, and his ranks of soldiers and aerial views of cities are resolved into abstract patterns that now seem of their time. It is also a book with a valuable message worth any child taking to heart. -- Nicolette Jones The Sunday Times Michael Foreman's illustrations for Janet Charters' The General first appeared nearly 50 years ago. This new and sumptuous anniversary edition is a reminder of the precocious brilliance of his early work, with each page a triumph of colour and design. The story of a famous general increasingly drawn to peaceful solutions remains as topical as ever and should not be missed. -- Nicholas Tucker The Independent on Sunday, Arts & Books Easter Special Janet Charter's anti-war text is as ironically apposite today as it was in 1961 when US involvement in the Vietnam War was escalating...As Foreman's first picture book, The General is incredibly assured, His trademark dexterity with watercolour was is consummate in his glowingly luminous depiction of the general's medal studded uniform and in his depiction of the ploughed field where a former soldier sows seed for the next harvest. Also characteristic are his confidently humorous characterisations of generals and troops. His mosaic city map reminiscent of Paolozzi and his stylised flowers are very 60s and now full of retro charm. A handsomely produced 50th anniversary edition that is a real treat! Books for Keeps No.181 Illustrations and text complement one another so beautifully that the magic of the original still shines through even after half a century. Booktrust children's Books ...He's best known for his children's work, characterised by impeccable draughtsmanship, subtle wit, powerful atmosphere and a wonderful luminosity that seems to rise up from the page... The Herald Without repetition, few contemporary illustrators have produced and published such a rich mix of titles, with images that truly engage, enchant and edify their readers with such distinguished consistency . -- Mike and Theresa Simkin. Carousel the revelations about embracing life over war are obviously going to connect in 21st century America and the ending, with its subtle point in a Cold War direction is just icing on the cake . Eclectica Magazine (online) Glorious, wonderful watercolours from MF clearly show why this book was chosen to be reissued as a 50th anniversary edition . For immediate release reviews blog.

A splendid 50th anniversary edition, this feels as pertinent now as it did when it was originally published * The Bookseller * This timeless picturebook, first published 50 years ago, is the story of a general who wants to be famous and keeps his troops well disciplined. Then one day he falls in love with nature and can't bear the thought of armies trampling flowers. He disbands his army, and sends his men to cultivate the land and make their country the most beautiful in the world. This brings him the fame he desires and makes him happy. ( And the Most famous General in the World lay back among the flowers and smiled at the sun. ) This fine new edition is both a work of art and a period piece. Michael Foreman's illustrations lie somewhere between Ronald Searle and John Piper, and his ranks of soldiers and aerial views of cities are resolved into abstract patterns that now seem of their time. It is also a book with a valuable message worth any child taking to heart. * The Sunday Times * Michael Foreman's illustrations for Janet Charters' The General first appeared nearly 50 years ago. This new and sumptuous anniversary edition is a reminder of the precocious brilliance of his early work, with each page a triumph of colour and design. The story of a famous general increasingly drawn to peaceful solutions remains as topical as ever and should not be missed. * The Independent on Sunday, Arts & Books Easter Special * Janet Charter's anti-war text is as ironically apposite today as it was in 1961 when US involvement in the Vietnam War was escalating...As Foreman's first picture book, The General is incredibly assured, His trademark dexterity with watercolour was is consummate in his glowingly luminous depiction of the general's medal studded uniform and in his depiction of the ploughed field where a former soldier sows seed for the next harvest. Also characteristic are his confidently humorous characterisations of generals and troops. His mosaic city map reminiscent of Paolozzi and his stylised flowers are very 60s and now full of retro charm. A handsomely produced 50th anniversary edition that is a real treat! * Books for Keeps No.181 * Illustrations and text complement one another so beautifully that the magic of the original still shines through even after half a century. * Booktrust children's Books * ...He's best known for his children's work, characterised by impeccable draughtsmanship, subtle wit, powerful atmosphere and a wonderful luminosity that seems to rise up from the page... * The Herald * Without repetition, few contemporary illustrators have produced and published such a rich mix of titles, with images that truly engage, enchant and edify their readers with such distinguished consistency . * Carousel * the revelations about embracing life over war are obviously going to connect in 21st century America and the ending, with its subtle point in a Cold War direction is just icing on the cake . * Eclectica Magazine (online) * Glorious, wonderful watercolours from MF clearly show why this book was chosen to be reissued as a 50th anniversary edition . * For immediate release reviews blog. *

Author Information

Michael Foreman (born 21 March 1938) is one of the UK's best-known and most prolific creators of children's books. He won the 1982 and 1989 Kate Greenaway Medals for British children's book illustration and he was a commended runner-up five times. For his contribution as a children's illustrator, he was the UK nominee in 1988 and again in 2010 for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest recognition available to creators of children's books internationally. Michael was awarded the OBE in the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to literature.

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