This is a book with a difference. It is dedicated to the creativity of two cartoonists, Fred Naughten and Stan Harvey who worked for the Standard Newspaper Group in the 1930s.
Cartoons are one of the most popular staples of the printed newspaper. The cartoonists genius lies not just with their drawing skills but also in their ability to bring together both contemporary and historical events in a single image. Such cartoons make us smile, sometimes laugh out loud or just reflect, no matter how grim the news of the days is.
The cartoon images in the book were created in the 1930s. Despite high unemployment and war clouds hovering over Europe and the far East, the 1930s were nevertheless a of optimism. The motor car was becoming ever more popular as were all types of consumer goods such as the 'must have' wireless in the home. Before television it was the golden age of cinema, and for good or bad, there was no internet, e-mail or social media.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN SOUTHEND (and district) shows a selection of cartoons beginning in January 1936 and spanning four years until December 1939. The foresight of the cartoonists is truly amazing as although the cartoons were created some 90 years ago many would not be out of place today all be it with minor refinements.
In the book for each image the original caption is shown but with added extra notes to enhance any historical aspect of the drawing.

Illustrated by: Fred Naughten, Stan Harvey