William M. Timlin

He showed talent for drawing at Morpeth Grammar School, and received a scholarship to the Armstrong College of Art in Newcastle.

In 1912, he joined his parents in Kimberley, South Africa where he completed his training in art and architecture and remained for the rest of his life.

The work expanded until in its final form it had 48 pages of text and 48 colour plates showing remarkable flights of fantasy.

Timlin sent the book to publishers George Harrap, who were delighted with the illustrations and the calligraphic text, deciding to print it without typesetting.

The story revolves an Old Man and fairy companions who build a fantastical sailing ship to journey to Mars.