The World of Thrush Green

Working together since 1955, ``Miss Read'' (Doris Saint) and artist Goodall have created 31 books about a village in the English Cotswolds. Thrush Green is imaginary, inspired by the author's years in just such a place, among good friends. We find the source of the stories in photos here showing the real village of Wood Green and recognizable prototypes of Miss Read's characters. Additionally, Goodall's nostalgic, colorful paintings vivify the country settings: tranquil fields of flowers, a fairground ablaze with light and excitement and other views that fix the locales in memory. The artist's skilled portraits depict the aptly named ``Dotty,'' eccentric spinster; lazy Albert Piggott; the rich but miserly old Misses Lovelock and others more admirable but not impossibly perfect. All are dear to readers who have met them in Miss Read's sometimes funny, often poignant, always absorbing chronicles. (Nov.)