David JC Perkins is Head of Research (Art and Humanties) at the King’s School, Canterbury. He holds a PhD in History from the University of Cambridge and is a former visiting fellow at Yale University.

Dr Perkins grew up with Ladybird books. A chance discovery on holiday in Derbyshire a few years ago led to a rekindling of interest in the legendary Adventures from History series and their multi-faceted author, Lawrence du Garde Peach.

Peach was an English author and playwright for radio, stage and screen. He is probably best remembered as the author of over thirty works in the Adventure from History series of non-fiction books for children which was published by Ladybird Books between 1957 and his death in 1974. It was the largest series Ladybird produced, and remained in print until 1986.