Approaching Arthur Ransome - Hardcover

Much has been written about the life of Arthur Ransome. Yet, until now, there has been no critical assessment of his legacy to English literature.
Dr Hunt begins his study with the astonishing stream of writings Ransome produced in his twenties before the First World War - among them books on French literature, on the work of Poe and Wilde, on the pleasures of Bohemian life. For Hunt, three books culled from Ransome's Russian journalism reveal as much about their author as about the turmoil of revolution. These led to a ten-year association with the Manchester Guardian, where Ransome first published his classic fishing essays. Hunt examines the mature technique of the books for children. With the Swallows and Amazons series Ransome invented a new genre, whose sales were to reach many millions. A deep commitment to democracy and freedom (though never licence) is seen as the hallmark of their lasting quality.

These books, together with Ransome's autobiography, continue to have a wide following among adults as well as children. Their author was honoured in 1990, long after his death, with the founding of the Arthur Ransome Society.

Also available

THE LIFE OF ARTHUR RANSOME by Hugh Brogan

'Arthur Ransome was among the most attractive and gifted literary figures in his time. Hugh Brogan has written a delightful book about him which brings him dramatically to life.' A.J.P. Taylor, Observer

ARTHUR RANSOME AND CAPTAIN FLINT'S TRUNK by Christina Hardyment

'Those who loved the Swallows and Amazons will be unable to put it down.' John Campbell, The Times

'Wonderfully detailed account. One to create as well as satisfy existing addicts.' Alan Ryan, Sunday Times

NANCY BLACKETT: UNDER SAIL WITH ARTHUR RANSOME by Roger Wardale

'Hugh Walpole's review of Arthur Ransome's Peter Duck in The Observer described it as "so well written that you don't realise it is written at all". Roger Wardale has achieved a comparable feat, not with fiction, but by piecing together published and unpublished material from the Ransome archive with a wealth of anecdote. It makes compulsive reading.' Anne Rickwood, The Times Educational Supplement