Available Publications

Chappie - Charles Chapman,
Billy Bunter's Illustrator

The Jack Books

	When asked, most people know that Frank Richards created Billy Bunter, the lovable Fat Owl of the Remove at Greyfriars School. If asked to describe this icon of the twentieth century, nearly all would recall a youth wearing checked trousers and rimless glasses. They would remember a round shining face and a waistcoat stretched across a prominent corporation. Probably, most would remember his “Yaroohs!” and his state of perpetual bankruptcy! But, how many would correctly know that this image was conjured not by Frank Richards the author but Charles Chapman the artist? This book is a tribute to the latter who gave so much added pleasure to the Greyfriars stories in the Magnet and later the much-loved Bunter Books. It has fifty articles of opinion, biography, criticism, and related material. There are also articles about some of the other significant men who contributed to this visual interpretation of ‘one of the greatest characters in English literature’. At nearly 200 pages, with over 120 photographs, examples of Chapman’s work, and facsimiles of letters from Frank Richards to Chapman, this book is a rich treasure trove that should be on every aficionado’s shelf. Price £25, plus postage & packaging: UK £3; Europe £5; Rest of the World £9. See bottom of page for ordering details

Story Paper Collector - Facsimile Editions
	*At last the opportunity to obtain the early numbers of this rare journal the predecessor to the Collectors’ Digest.* Enlarged from their original to A5 size for ease of reading these reproductions have a colour cover. Volume 1: Numbers 1 to 5; 56 pages. £6.50. Volume 2: Numbers 6 to 10; 64 pages. £7.00. Volume 3: Numbers 11 to 14; 72 pages. £7.50. UK Post included. Overseas Europe: please add £3, Rest of the World, please add £5. See bottom of page for ordering details

*The Far Side of Billy Bunter*
	This important biography of Frank Richards, by his niece, Una Hamilton Wright, is now available. This fascinating book is full of facts and details about Charles Hamilton never disclosed until now. Includes 40 pictures - again most of which have never been seen by even the most avid of students of this the most prolific writer ever. This magnum opus is available from: Peter McCall, 47, The Terrace, Wokingham, Berkshire. RG40 1BP. ISBN:0-948728-2-6 For more details read the article. Price £23 plus £3 UK Postage. Europe £5; Rest of the World £9.

When Billy Bunter and Harry Wharton & Co. of Greyfriars, and Gussy D'Arcy&Co. of St. Jim's were killed in action by the paper shortages of World War II, Charles Hamilton found himself not merely short of paid employment but short of money and unable, (due to copyright restrictions), to write about two of his favourite schools. He invented many new schools and characters under some of his myriad pseudonyms.

Writing as Frank Richards (best known as the creator of Billy Bunter), he was to create the much loved Jack Free . Ever since his first appearance in 1949, readers have been fascinated by Jack. Due in part to the fact that only three of the eight books written were published originally, Jack has remained something of an enigma.

Now, at last, after languishing unpublished for 60 years, Jack s Odyssey is to see the light of day. From the leafy lanes of Sussex to the African Congo, we can follow his exciting adventures as he matures from naïf and much exploited waif to mature self-assured youth who (we all hope) comes into his inheritance.

Read the Foreword by Gyles Brandreth and the Preface

The Jack Books in Print

Jack of All Trades
by Frank Richards

The first book in the series has been re-published as part of the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the death of the author; he died on 24th December 1961.

In this, the first instalment of the series, we meet Jack as he begins to make his way alone in the world. To achieve this, he has to content with a violent tinker and avoid the clutches of a grasping aristocrat while, at one period, acting as factotum to two lady caravanners.

Price £10 plus postage: UK - £1.50; Europe - £3.850; Rest of World - £5.50

Jack Goes South
by Frank Richards

The fifth book in the series has been published for the first time as part of the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the death of the author who died on 24th December 1961.

In this, the fifth instalment of the series, Jack is rescued by a benevolent Rhodesian coffee plannter from being used as a lucky mascot in a Dutch gambling den. Mr Bertram, the planter, and Jack go on to share many adventures on their way to Africa.

Price £10 plus postage: UK - £1.50; Europe - £3.850; Rest of World - £5.50

Frank Richards Letters to William Bagley

A fascinating insight into the writing techniques of Charles Hamilton is revealed in this unique archive. Fourteen letters are reproduced, and transcribed, together with introduction by Professor Jeffery Richard, and commentaries by Mary Cadogan, and Peter McCall.

Publication August 2005. Price £11 UK. £18 Overseas. Postage included.

ISBN 0-948-70801-8

Indices to The Collectors' Digest and The Collectors' Digest Annual

The following Indices are available in A4 or A5 format. The Collectors' Digest Indices are in A4 format with card covers and 'Comb Binding'.

Note that the CD 'Monthly' Indices will soon be only available as the Complete Index.

The Quarterly Index is in preparation

Collectors’ Digest Annual Complete Index 1946-2001		£8.50
Collectors’ Digest Index to Numbers 1-500 (OUT OF PRINT)		£16.50
Collectors’ Digest Index to Numbers 501-648 (OUT OF PRINT)		£8.50
Collectors’ Digest Monthly Index to Numbers 1-648		£24.00
Collectors’ Digest Quarterly Index to Numbers 659-665

Friars’ Chronicles Index Nos. 1-100 (A5, 64pages)		£7.50
All books include UK postage and package	(Overseas	extra)
CD & CDA Indices: A4, card covers, comb binding.

Also available The Retrieve Cumulative Database. Create your own databases or buy ready compiled.

All these items are available from:

Peter D. McCall, West Lodge, 47, The Terrace, Wokingham. Berkshire. RG40 1BP.

Please makes cheques payable to Peter McCall.

e-mail: petermccall.westlodge@btinternet.com

Please contact me before sending remittances.
Postal charges are constantly changing!