In a first for book publisher Thames & Hudson, this children's poem written by Ted Hughes is being published next week after being lost for over fifty years.
Jim Downer (pictured below) who shared a house in London with the late poet wrote and illustrated the story of Timmy the Tug in the mid-1950's. He created the book to impress his future wife that he would not only be a suitable husband, but a good father too. He showed it to Ted Hughes who offer to provide his own version of the story. Although Downer agreed, it was the last time he saw the book as both he and Hughes found themselves going off in seperate directions.
It wasn't until last year that Carol Hughes found the book among her husband's archives and returned it to Downer that he discovered Ted Hughes had written his verses.
The book tells the story of how Timmy escaped from his moorings to embark upon some exciting adventures on the high seas and is being published as an exact facsimile of the original book!
Published by Thames & Hudson on 21st September, priced £12.95 in hardback
Online Competition: Thames & Hudson are kindly giving away three copies of the book as competition prizes. To enter, answer the following question - 'What was the name of Ted Hughes first wife?' Email your answer to: [email protected] along with your name, full postal address and contact telephone number. Closing date: 30th September 2009. Winners will be notified by email or telephone. Editor's decision is final.
Picture of Jim Downer is acknowledged from an interview with Downer that appeared in The Times
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