James Campbell to tell story of partnership between A A Milne and E H Shepard

Michael O’Mara Books will publish James Campbell’s The Men Who Created Winne-the-Pooh: The Lives of A A Milne and E H Shepard, to mark the centenary of the first of the children’s classics created by the author and illustrator duo.

Louise Dixon, senior editorial director for the independent press, acquired world all-language rights from Stephanie Thwaites at Curtis Brown. It will be published on 26th September 2024, priced £25 in hardback.

No biography of Shepard has previously been authorised by his family and estate. This illustrated full-colour treasury features previously unseen material including preparatory drawings, draft material, private photographs and unpublished documents. It will mark the centenary of When We Were Very Young, first of the four children’s classics created by Milne and Shepard.

"Campbell brings to life the fascinating story behind two of the most remarkable men in children’s literature," Michael O’Mara said. "The Men Who Created Winne-the-Pooh sheds new light on their professional and personal relationships, complex families, and wartime experiences, as well as their unique professional partnership and the extraordinary legacy for children of all ages across the world, which is as vibrant now as it was on publication 100 years ago."

Both Milne and Shepard worked at Punch magazine from the first decade of the 20th century before coming together in the early 1920s to bring to life Winnie-the-Pooh and the other characters of the Hundred Acre Wood.

Campbell has written two previous books, The Art of Winnie-the-Pooh: How E H Shepard Illustrated an Icon and Shepard’s War, an illustrated personal narrative of the First World War, both published by Michael O’Mara Books.

He said: "It has been wonderful to explore this unique literary partnership from cradle to grave, uncovering the highs and lows of two creative lives  whose enduring partnership in the making of Winnie-the-Pooh has now stood the test of 100 years. A wealth of new and original material, with many revealing illustrations, makes the story so interesting and rewarding."

Dixon said: "James Campbell’s breadth of knowledge on Milne and Shepard is astonishing. He brings both men to vivid life on the page and, along with the glorious illustrations and other fascinating ephemera, this beautiful volume celebrates their lives and collaboration in a way that has not been attempted before."