A Note of Explanation

A Note of Explanation: A Little Tale of Secrets and Enchantment from Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Preserved unseen on a bookshelf in the library of the dolls’ house created for Queen Mary in 1924, this enchanting story is a previously unknown work by the celebrated poet and novelist Vita Sackville-West. The delightful tale tells of a spirit who inhabits the dolls’ house, unseen by conservators, paying guests to Windsor Castle and even Queen Mary herself. Having seemingly been present for the major moments of fairy-tale history such as Cinderella’s ball, Sleeping Beauty’s waking kiss and the creation of Aladdin’s palace, she has made herself at home in this early twentieth-century house, baffling even its maker. This sumptuous book is beautifully bound in real cloth and uniquely illustrated by Kate Baylay. This charming story by a major figure in twentieth-century literature will appeal to adults and children alike. Written by Vita Sackville-West and illustrated by Kate Baylay. Afterword by Matthew Dennison. Hardback. 25 × 17.5 cm. 48 pages. Approx. 50 colour illustrations. ISBN 978 1 909741 52 2.