The Cave

Author: Richard Church

Publisher: J.M. Dent &amp; Sons, London, 1950

The Cave was written by Richard Church (1893-1972), who is better known for his poetry, verse plays, and adult novels. It's a classic children's adventure story which describes the exploits of a group of lads exploring a previously unknown cave, and their various reactions to the stresses, trials, and tribulations they experience in the process. In some ways it is reminiscent of Enid Blyton's Famous Five stories, but it's well written and the underground world is authentically described.

It was illustrated by Geoffrey Whittam, a renowned children's book illustrator. It was published in the USA in 1951 by Day under the name "Five Boys in a Cave", and published in paperback by Puffin in 1966.

Richard Church wrote a sequel, Down River, which was published in 1958 By Heinemann.