An Alphabet of Aunts

Aunts have not had their due recognition - until now. But here, in the simple tasks and pleasures of her ordinary life, the aunt is portrayed with wonder and affection. Starting with the Ambulant, walking her dogs past G.F.Watts' statue of Physical Energy in Kensington Gardens, this book describes her in twenty-six beautifully observed portraits, one for each letter of the alphabet. Here is the Elegant on the catwalk; the Hydrant, watering her garden; the Indignant, watching those same plants being dug up by the ubiquitous canines who are so much a part of her life; the Medicant, begging outside Daunt's bookshop; the Osculant indulging in the pastime that aunts do best; the Ruminant, eating salad in her lonely cafe, not to forget the Truant, shamelessly sporting SEMPER ABSUM on her school blazer. Each picture, meticulously drawn by Mungo McCosh, is followed on its subsequent page by the name of the aunt the picture describes. Beautiful and aptly chosen lettering tells us who she is - that is, if we can't guess for ourselves. A book of wit and wisdom, for nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, everywhere. C.M. Dawnay used to be a niece, but now she is an aunt. She is also a literary agent who lives in London. Mungo McCosh is an artist. He lived in Turkey for some years. The Crimean Memorial Church in Istanbul contains a rood screen of saints and the city painted by him. Nearly three years ago he spent time in Basra with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, working in the war-artist tradition; the painting he brought back were exhibited in London in 2006 and now form part of the regiment's collection. He has made maps and illustrations and book jackets, and painted portraits. His name is not invented, and he lives in Scotland.