Usborne Time Traveller Books: The Original Compilation

Hello and welcome back! In our last video, we took a look at a modern edition of the Usborne Time Traveller books that featured a traveler with an updated helmet. Today, we're going back to the source!

This is the original, compiled edition — the one that started it all for many of us. Usborne's incredible Time Traveller series has provided hours of entertainment for children and adults for almost five decades, and it’s all thanks to the brilliant minds who created it.

Let's take a moment to thank the amazing creators: the original drawings in this classic edition are by the fantastic Toni Goffe and Stephen Cartwright. And the wonderful texts were penned by Judy Hindley, Tony Allan, Anne Civardi, James Graham-Campbell, Heather Amery, and Patricia Vanags. Thank you all for the enduring magic you created!

The differences between this original compilation and the newer version are fascinating. First, let’s look at the text. You can immediately see the different density of the writing. This edition is generally written in a more detailed and developed way than the modern one.

You can also tell that there are more images and content packed into these pages. The original volumes that make up this compilation were quite detailed, and that detail shines through here.

Another key difference is the order of the volumes. The modern compilation re-sequences the historical periods, but this original book presents them in its own unique sequence. It's a fun discovery to see which volume came where!

Ultimately, whether you prefer the original or the modern version, the joy of time travel is what matters. Everyone can choose the edition they like best, but as for me? I’m happy to stick with both!