Real Enid Blyton

A thrilling biographical study of the most prolific and controversial children's author in history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 155 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2018
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Enid Blyton, the most prolific children's author in history, has a controversial legacy. Over her forty-year career, she wrote hundreds of books that captivated a global audience. Despite her sharp mind, her popularity exceeded expectations. Fifty years after her death, Enid continues to be a phenomenon, with record-breaking sales. However, her books faced criticism from parents and teachers who deemed them simplistic, repetitive, and containing sexist and snobbish undertones. Racist slurs, particularly towards foreign and working-class characters, shocked modern readers. Despite the backlash, Enid persevered, producing thousands of words daily until her physical limitations prevented her from writing. She created a nostalgic world where children roamed freely, problems were solved with midnight feasts or picnics, and fearless gangs thwarted criminals. Enid carefully crafted a sunny public image, but behind the scenes, she concealed infidelities, betrayals, and unconventional friendships. She lied about her childhood and struggled with the collapse of her parent's marriage, feeling abandoned by her father. Enid was a complex and immature woman, plagued by insecurities and a dark past. She displayed fierce temperaments but was also astute in business. Her legacy remains a subject of debate, with some celebrating her contributions to children's literature and others critiquing her portrayal of societal norms and attitudes.

Weight: 504g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526722034