The Alphabet of Old Friends was published originally by George Routledge and Sons in London and New York as part of the Walter Crane's Toy Book series. With beautiful illustrations by Walter Crane (1845-1915), the book features old friends from nursery rhymes such as the black sheep from "Ba, ba, black sheep," the mouse who ran up the clock, Jack Sprat, and more. Each letter of the alphabet is illustrated by a portion of a famous nursery rhyme, an illuminated letter, and a stylish illustration.