Thoroughly Mischievous Person: The Other Arthur Ransome

Swallows and Amazons, written by Arthur Ransome, is a classic children's book that has gained him a reputation as one of the most influential children's authors of all time. Alan Kennedy's book explores Ransome's enduring appeal, combining literary criticism with psychological expertise. Ransome's novels are more than usually autobiographical, reflecting his difficult life experiences, such as his father's death, his abandonment of his infant daughter, and his compromises during his Russian exile. This study provides new insights into Ransome's fascinating figure for both casual and scholarly readers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

Arthur Ransome, a renowned children's author, gained fame with his 1930 novel "Swallows and Amazons." However, his career as a journalist and war correspondent in revolutionary Russia preceded his fiction writing. In this captivating exploration of Ransome's work, Alan Kennedy delves into the reasons behind his enduring appeal, blending literary criticism with psychological expertise. Ransome's novels, characterized by a careful narrative theory and a symbolic approach aligning them with the modernist tradition rather than contemporaries like Richmal Crompton and Enid Blyton, also possessed a notable autobiographical element. Kennedy adeptly showcases this through reference to three significant challenges Ransome faced in his complex life: the untimely death of his father, his abandonment of his infant daughter to escape a catastrophic first marriage, and the numerous compromises that sustained him during his Russian exile.

"A Thoroughly Mischievous Person: The Other Arthur Ransome" is the first study to systematically address this facet of Ransome's life, offering fresh insights to both casual and scholarly readers. By delving into the lesser-known aspects of his character and experiences, Kennedy sheds light on the enigmatic figure of Arthur Ransome, providing a deeper understanding of his literary legacy and the enduring impact he had on children's literature and beyond.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780718895822