The Snowman at 40: How an unknown book became a festive classic

‘The Snowman’ was published 40 years ago this Christmas. Suzanne Harrington charts its rise from unknown book to festive classic.

“I remember that winter because it had brought the heaviest snow I had ever seen. Snow had fallen steadily all night long and in the morning I woke in a room filled with light and silence, the whole world seemed to be held in a dream-like stillness. It was a magical day... and it was on that day I made The Snowman.”