Dragon in Danger by Rosemary Manning, The Rare First Edition

A Luminous Sequel to a Cherished Classic, but no one from decades was able to see the first edition..until now…

There are certain childhood treasures that transcend their era, becoming timeless portals to wonder and imagination. One of these is certainly Rosemary Manning’s Dragon in Danger, published in 1959 by Constable and Co., London, stands as a radiant testament to this enduring magic. This value edition hardback, adorned with the enchanting illustrations of Constance Marshall, represents not merely a sequel to the beloved Green Smoke, but a sophisticated expansion of Manning’s whimsical universe that bridges the gap between fantasy and friendship with remarkable grace.

Manning, a remarkable figure who would later become known for her groundbreaking lesbian novel The Chinese Garden and her courageous activism, demonstrates here her extraordinary ability to craft narratives that speak simultaneously to the child’s heart and the adult’s understanding. Born in 1911, Manning brought to children’s literature a depth of emotion and psychological insight that was revolutionary for its time. Her Dragon series, beginning with Green Smoke in 1957, established her as a master of what might be called “intimate fantasy” – stories where the magical feels utterly believable because it emerges from genuine human connection.

The collaboration between Manning’s prose and Marshall’s illustrations creates a visual symphony that elevates the text to extraordinary heights. Marshall’s artwork, with its delicate line work and expressive character studies, captures the essence of both Sue’s innocent wonder and the dragon’s ancient dignity. In an era when children’s book illustration was becoming increasingly sophisticated, Marshall’s contributions to Dragon in Danger demonstrate a masterful understanding of how visual narrative can enhance rather than merely accompany text. Her dragon is neither frightening nor overly cute – instead, he possesses a gravitas that makes his friendship with Sue feel profound and meaningful.

Dragon in Danger picks up where Green Smoke left off, with the melancholy prospect of Sue’s departure from Cornwall ending her magical summer with the dragon. But Manning, with characteristic ingenuity, transforms this potential ending into a new beginning. The dragon’s decision to visit Sue in her home town of St Aubyns becomes the catalyst for a story that explores themes of adaptation, community acceptance, and the courage required to be different in a conformist world.

The plot’s central tension – how does a dragon integrate into suburban life? – might sound whimsical, but Manning treats it with the seriousness it deserves. The dragon’s settlement on an island and his eventual starring role in the local pageant represents a beautiful metaphor for how outsiders can find their place in communities willing to embrace difference. The villains of the piece, the wonderfully named Mr. Bogg and Mr. Snarkins, provide just enough conflict to drive the narrative without overwhelming its gentler themes.

The Constable Edition: A Publisher’s Vision

The 1959 Constable edition represents a particularly significant moment in children’s publishing. Constable & Co., established in 1890, had built a reputation for quality literature, and their decision to publish Manning’s Dragon series reflects the sophisticated taste that distinguished the house. This value edition, with its sturdy binding and elegant typography, was clearly designed to be treasured rather than merely consumed – a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Manning’s belief that children deserved literature of genuine substance.

What sets Dragon in Danger apart from its contemporaries is Manning’s refusal to condescend to her young readers. The dialogue between Sue and the dragon crackles with wit and intelligence, while the narrative voice maintains a perfect balance between accessibility and sophistication. Manning understood that children are capable of appreciating complex emotions and subtle humor – a conviction that infuses every page of this remarkable work.

The book’s exploration of friendship across species and centuries speaks to universal themes of connection and understanding. The dragon, with his memories of King Arthur’s court and his gentle regret for his more violent past, becomes a character of genuine complexity. His relationship with Sue evolves from the wonder of their first meeting to something deeper – a mutual respect and affection that feels entirely authentic.

Published in 1959, Dragon in Danger appeared during a golden age of British children’s literature, alongside works by authors like Alan Garner and Susan Cooper. Manning’s contribution to this renaissance has perhaps been underappreciated, possibly because her later reputation rested primarily on her adult fiction. However, viewed through the lens of literary history, the Dragon series represents a crucial bridge between the cozy fantasy of earlier decades and the more psychologically complex children’s literature that would emerge in the 1960s and beyond.

The book’s gentle handling of difference and acceptance feels remarkably progressive for its era. In a post-war Britain still grappling with social change, Manning created a narrative that celebrated uniqueness and promoted understanding – themes that resonate even more powerfully today.

Modern readers discovering Dragon in Danger will find themselves enchanted by its timeless qualities. The book’s pacing, unhurried and contemplative, offers a welcome respite from today’s often frenetic children’s literature. Manning allows her characters space to breathe, to develop, to simply exist within their magical reality. The humor remains fresh and delightful – the dragon’s vanity, his love of buns and treats, his occasional pomposity balanced by genuine warmth. Sue emerges as a remarkable protagonist for any era: brave, kind, and possessed of the open-mindedness that allows for true friendship with the extraordinary.  For contemporary readers, particularly those interested in the evolution of children’s literature, this book offers insights into a pivotal moment when authors began to recognize children as sophisticated emotional beings capable of engaging with complex themes. For young readers today, it provides the simple but profound pleasure of a beautifully told story about friendship, acceptance, and the magic that exists when we open our hearts to the unexpected.

In an age of digital entertainment and instant gratification, Dragon in Danger reminds us of the particular magic that exists between reader and book – a quiet, contemplative magic that, like Manning’s gentle dragon, rewards patience and attention with treasures that last a lifetime.

This Constable edition, with its Marshall illustrations intact, represents not just a children’s book but a piece of literary history – a testament to an era when publishers, authors, and illustrators collaborated to create works of lasting beauty and significance. It deserves its place not merely on the shelf of children’s classics, but in the front rank of mid-century British literature that continues to enchant and inspire readers of all ages.

Adding to the allure and mystique of Dragon in Danger is the fact that the 1959 Constable & Co. first edition value edition is extraordinarily rare, almost mythical in rarity. For decades, few have had the privilege of seeing this first edition, making it a coveted gem among collectors and enthusiasts. Its scarcity has only increased its stature, not just as a children’s classic but as a cherished artifact of literary and publishing history.

Available copies of the first edition from decades do not surface in used bookstores or auction sites, often commanding prices upwards of $700 and beyond, reflecting its desirability and rarity. Collectors prize the edition for its pristine binding, original dust jacket (when present), and Constance Marshall’s evocative illustrations that remain vivid decades on. Owning this edition is like possessing a fragment of mid-20th-century literary magic—treasured not only for its storytelling but as a witness to a pivotal moment in children’s literature.

This rare edition thus stands as a glowing beacon for bibliophiles and fans of Rosemary Manning’s work, a tangible connection to a world where dragons and friendship coexist in the most enchanting harmony. This makes the Dragon in Danger 1959 Constable edition not just a superb children’s book but also an ultra-rare collector’s treasure whose value enriches the inherent magic of the story it holds.