Alan Gregory (1906–1985) was an artist who revelled in the absurd. Talented enough to attend The Slade, his forte was caricature. He worked largely as a freelance illustrator between the two world wars, before settling down to more regular employment later in life.

He left a small number of sketches which never saw the light of day. Amongst them were the two humorous illustrated tales published here, most probably drawn for his own amusement – and that of his friends – in the 1930s and 1940s.

His draughtsmanship is impressive, with clear expressive lines and the occasional use of colour. The drawings tell the tale as much as the text.

Because they capture so well some of the spirit and appearance of their age, they are published here for the first time.