Enid Blyton's
Famous Five |
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| Even nowadays there cannot
be many children who do not read Enid Blyton, and who
would not know who the Famous Five were. During my childhood
I loved these stories and they, together with Biggles,
were my introduction to the world of reading for pleasure.
When my own children were small and we were away on our
camping holidays, it was always a Famous Five chapter
which formed part of the bedtime story. |
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Although Blyton wrote many 'series' stories (The Mystery,
Secret Seven, The Adventure, Barney, St. Clares, Malory
Towers) it is the Famous Five series which appears to
be the most popular.
The first book appeared in September 1942 (dated August
1942) and was so popular that it was reprinted almost
immediately in September and October of the same year.
The book was illustrated by Eileen Soper, who was to illustrate
all 21 titles, and whose drawings were so 'just right'.
Her original black and white line drawings, together with
the coloured jackets fit perfectly with the stories. In
the latest editions these original drawings have been
used in colour.
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Further stories appeared at
a rate of about one a year for the next 21 years, a total
of 21 titles. In the late 1980's you might have purchased
a complete set of first editions with dustjackets for
just over £100. Today you can expect to pay many
times that amount for just the first book in its original
wrapper.
And for the purist, one might say bibliomaniac, there
are many pitfalls. You have to be aware of how to identify
a true first edition to avoid buying a copy in a reprint
dustjacket, and with modern photocopying machinery, you
need to be aware of facsimile jackets as well. |
As well as the books there is a multitude of Famous
Five Ephemera - playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, stationery,
birthday cards, postcards, even clothing became available
and are avidly collected. Films have been made, a television
series, even a musical, and for the real aficionado
there is
'The Enid Blyton Society'
The Famous Five (Julian, George, Dick & Anne, not
forgetting Timmy the dog) are as popular today as they
ever were, and long may they remain so.
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| Contributed by David Starling |
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