The first edition, published in 2008, was limited to 300 copies and are of quality paper in a hardback cover, with attractive dustcover.
Illustrations are all selected by the publisher from various editions of Happy Mag and more or less represent the story that they are associated with. I think David Schutte made a good choice, with so many new stories appearing in the BBC play series, it must have been difficult to select appropriate illustrations.
The book has a foreword by Martin Jarvis, which itself begins with some fan fiction that Martin has written, before delving in to some basic history about Crompton and the Just William series.
This is followed by an introduction by David Schutte regarding how the volumes came about and changes that he has made. These include, editing the plays so that William doesn't drop his aitches - purely because he doesn't in the book series. Examples include adding a 'h' to "w'at" and "w'en". While these changes do make for easier reading, children do drop their aitches. It is only some adults that like to prescribe 'proper' language use that would point this out. Schutte has also recreated the lisp of Violet Elizabeth in written form, which the voice actor knew she had to include, but wasn't included in the scripts. This makes for more difficult reading.
The plays follow a specific format. After bring introduced by the announcer (listed once as Margaret Hubble), Mrs Brown yells 'William!', who responds with a version of, 'All right - I'm here'. This happens even when the play begins with William and Ginger at the cinema.
Another part of the format is the idea of William turning over a new leaf, which turns into an in joke within the plays. I think it is only episode 9, William's Christmas Day, which does not include this reference. It is not only funny to the audience, but often diffuses tensions between the characters within the play.
The stories are fantastic and longer than in the books. Without the need for description in prose, there is much more emphasis on dialogue. This not only changes the dynamic between the characters, because so much more must be described for the audience, but also reveals deeper versions of the characters that we have come to know and love.
William has much better relationships with his family in the plays. They talk more to him and are much more understanding of his actions. It becomes obvious that William is a younger version of Mr Brown and it feels less like William was an (unhappy) accident. The happy family dynamics remind me much more of the other Crompton creation, Jimmy, and his family. This makes the plays a joy to read.
The addition of the original draft of Fireworks Strictly Forbidden reveals that there must have been many changes to Crompton's original content, but mostly for the better. It also reveals that Crompton, at least in the beginning, didn't include the necessary instructions for scene and music.
The quality of the publishing is fantastic. With great choices of illustrations and font face and size. Cast lists and programme information is a wonderful inclusion and really makes these books important for the history of Crompton's literature.
An absolute joy to read and worth every penny.
To get a copy, contact David Schutte, or check out places such as eBay.
| Play Title | Series and Episode Number |
|---|---|
| Fireworks Strictly Forbidden (Plus original draft at back) |
S01 E01 |
| William, Prime Minister | S01 E02 |
| William - Pond Dweller | S01 E03 |
| William, Ethel, and Mr. Right | S01 E04 |
| William Finds a Home for Albert | S01 E05 |
| William Gets Robert a Job | S01 E06 |
| William's Good Deed | S01 E07 |
| William Buys a Present | S01 E08 |
| William's Christmas Day | S01 E09 |
