Masquerade

A fascinating little mystery. At the time of this book's publication, the entire world devoured it in hopes of uncovering the buried treasure - it took a few years and led to much controversy, as explained in Bamber Gascoigne's follow-up book Quest for the Golden Hare. (Although Wikipedia can elaborate on the much greater controversy that developed years later).

I'd suggest buying either Gascoigne's book, or the "Answers" edition of 'Masquerade', since otherwise you'll never figure out the answer to the puzzle. Seriously, only two people EVER figured out the answer, and it must be said there are so many red herrings that it's not surprising.

But regardless of the mystery (which of course, is null and void now, three decades later), the show more artwork is still delightful, and the hidden jewels throughout the pages are worth a look. show less

A wonderful ride full of vibrant illustrations and treasure hunts. The story that changed literature for me forever. I have a copy my grandpa gave me and I've loved it ever since. Each page challenges what's normal and a true testament to thinking out side of the box. I still wish to this day no one ever found the treasure that was buried.

Kit Williams has long been a favourite and this was missing from my (small) collection. I have been revelling in the paintings and trying to solve the riddle, but it is too difficult, and I cheated (all explained on the web). I'm glad to hear that KW was reunited with his hare jewellery. Concidentally, just before I read this, I finished a fascinating book called The Leaping Hare, and am fairly sure that KW must have read it as well, as there were similar names and poems in the two.

One of the books that has inspired me ever since I first saw it at the age of nine. A fascinating riddle, a beautiful object and an insight into a the bizarre, coincidence-filled world of treasure hunts where nothing is as it seems and even the makers often don't fully realise what it is they have created.

Drawings are whimsical and evocative. The book is a riddle; well done.

Made an impression on me when I was little. ( Anyone drawing / illustrating anything like that seemed unreal / impossible )

Made an impression on me when I was little. ( Anyone drawing / illustrating anything like that seemed unreal / impossible )