Enid Blyton

Andrew Maunder is the author of Bram Stoker (2006) and the editor of the series British Literature of World War I (2010). His recent works include British Theatre and the Great War (2015) and R.C. Sherriff’s Journey’s End: A Guide (2016).

“Enid Blyton – A Literary Life is a well-researched and engaging review into the life and work of well-known children’s book author Enid Blyton. … Maunder has created a well-researched, engaging and informative discussion on the life of Enid Blyton. The reader is given insight into not only why she became such a major literary figure but also touches on the different faces of someone portrayed as having it all.” (Philip Jefferies, Children’s Books History Society, Newsletter, Issue 133, 2022)“Maunder covers Blyton's life, work and reputation in a readable, analytical and considered overview, concluding that Blyton is ‘a figure whose rehabilitation is long Overdue’. … Librarians begantaking Blyton books off the shelf in libraries. In this latest volume, Maunder documents the reassessments of Blyton which have emerged in the last three decades. In doing so, he has judiciously established the framework for the continuing debate on Blyton's influence and her role in children's literature and publishing.” (Colin Steele, The Canberra Times, canberratimes.com.au, April 1, 2022)

• 1. Introduction.- 2. Blyton and the Critics.- 3. Blyton’s Early Career.- 4. Homes.- 5. Wartime.- 6. Adventure.- 7. Austerity and Kenneth Waters.- 8. Blyton the Missionary.- 9. Blyton and Gender. - 10. Blyton and the 1950s.- 11. Blyton and the Theatre.- 12. Final Things.