I haven't even read your post, just copy pasted it into chatgpt o1 preview model and it said this:
Based on your detailed recollections, I believe the book you're searching for may be one of the anthologies by Ruth Manning-Sanders, particularly those illustrated by Robin Jacques. Here’s why:
- Ruth Manning-Sanders' Anthologies:
"A Book of Ghosts and Goblins" (1968): This collection features a variety of eerie tales from around the world, all retold by Manning-Sanders. The stories often involve witches, ghosts, and other supernatural beings.
"A Book of Witches" (1965): This anthology includes tales specifically about witches, which might correlate with your memory of a sea-witch draped in seaweed.
"A Book of Mermaids" (1967): Given the sea theme and possible illustrations of underwater scenes, this book could also be a contender.
- Illustrations by Robin Jacques:
Art Style: Jacques is renowned for his intricate pen-and-ink drawings with heavy linework and detailed crosshatching, which matches your description.
Depictions: His illustrations often have a gothic and eerie feel, featuring classic elements like willow trees, cliffside scenes, and supernatural creatures.
Sample Illustrations:
Diver and Sea-Witch: While I can't access specific images, Jacques' work frequently includes mythical and maritime elements that could involve divers and sea-witches.
Creepy Willow Trees and Gothic Cliffs: His landscapes are detailed and atmospheric, possibly aligning with the images you remember.
- Physical Attributes:
Binding: Many editions of Manning-Sanders' books from the 60s and 70s came with green or teal bindings, especially after losing their dust jackets.
Publication Era: The books were published in the mid to late 60s, fitting your timeframe of "old but not ancient."
Age Appropriateness: These books were marketed as children's literature but often contained darker themes and illustrations that could slip past less attentive parents.
- Why This Might Be the Book:
Combination of Elements: The combination of maritime tales, witches, and eerie illustrations matches the key elements you recall.
Illustrator's Style: The pen-and-ink crosshatching and gothic atmosphere in Jacques' illustrations seem to align closely with your memories.
Not to defend them too much and I have to admit that I don't know much about the details which bills were priorities during the 4 months that Obama has house, senate and Presidency.
What I did read a while back was that Obama didn't know how long his supermajority would last and some of the things he wanted he wanted done but couldn't once he lost the house.