More William by Richmal Crompton (hardback book)

Crompton’s hugely popular Just William series, originally published in 1922. It’s a collection of short, humorous stories (around 10–13 depending on the edition) featuring the irrepressible 11-year-old William Brown, a scruffy, tousle-headed, snub-nosed boy full of mischief, wild ideas, and boundless energy.

William lives in a quiet English village with his long-suffering middle-class family—his parents, older brother Robert, and sister Ethel—who are constantly exasperated by his chaotic adventures. Along with his gang of friends (known as the Outlaws—Ginger, Douglas, and Henry), William turns everyday situations into hilarious mayhem. He often misinterprets adult rules, launches ambitious (and disastrous) schemes, and causes unintended havoc while trying to do what he thinks is right or exciting.

The stories poke fun at adult hypocrisies, social conventions, and the absurdities of village life in the 1920s, all seen through William’s innocent, anarchic perspective. Examples of typical escapades include William attempting to impress a girl by stealing a cream blancmange, dealing with burglars (or thinking he is), creating chaos on a “busy day,” or getting tangled in family events like Christmas or visitors.

The tone is light-hearted, witty, and full of sharp observations about childhood freedom versus grown-up expectations. William remains eternally 11, a symbol of rebellious, carefree boyhood—lovable to readers but a nightmare to anyone trying to keep order around him.

This 1983 Macmillan edition is a reprint of this classic, with the original stories and iconic black-and-white illustrations by Thomas Henry (showing William in his signature school cap, scowl, and messy hair).

It’s a delightful, timeless read—perfect for nostalgia, family sharing, or anyone who enjoys clever, laugh-out-loud children’s humor that doesn’t talk down to its audience. If you’ve enjoyed the first book (Just William), this one picks up right where it left off with more of the same spirited troublemaking!

The book is in a used condition with damage to various parts of the outer cover and some internally.