E. NESBIT: A BIOGRAPHY. REVISED WITH NEW MATERIAL.

Philadelphia: Chilton Books, 1966. 313 pp, 8 1/4" H. B&w photographs. "Publication of this first biography ever written about E. Nesbit (1858-1924), whose books for children have delighted readers young and old, is a literary event of major importance. Mrs. Langley Moore has written a new introduction to the present edition, telling a number of things that had to be omitted from the original work, when so many of E. Nesbit's contemporaries or members of her family were still alive. Also, the entire book has been revised and relevant material that either had to be left out originally, or has been discovered since, has been added. Edith Nesbit married Hubert Bland, a young journalist and enthusiastic Socialist, in 1880. He took the chair at the first meeting of the Fabian Society and both were active in the Fabian movement. When Bland, while ill, was defrauded by a business partner, Edith Nesbit was forced to earn the family's living. She began to write poems, short stories, and recitiations, and made hand painted Christmas cards. After fifteen years of literary hack work, in which she produced some thirty-three books, she hit her stride with the writing of 'The Treasure Seekers', the first of the stories about the irrepressible Bastable children. Among the other books that have made her a household favorite are 'The Wouldbegoods', 'Five Children and It', 'The House of Arden', and 'The Story of the Amulet'. (The author) has given us a remarkable portrait of the genesis of a writer, and the writer's world. In seeking out her information she contacted many of the most eminent literary and theatrical figures in England at the time." Minor toning to margins of pages, light toning and faint foxing mark on fore-edge of text block, minor soiling on bottom edge of boards. Dust jacket has minor edge wear, general light browning - more on spine and flap-folds, one very small edge tear sticker removal/soiling mark at top corner of front panel, very small foxing mark on rear panel, protected in a mylar sleeve.. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good -.