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| Copyright Hodder & Stoughton Ltd |
Let me set the scene. It's a medium-sized bedroom containing two single beds, one on either side of the room, with an old Singer treadle sewing machine between them. The sewing machine, situated below a wide window, is usually topped with books, comics, or even an assembled model kit or toy. A wardrobe, chest of drawers, a wooden chair, a tartan single 'bed settee' (and perhaps a small bamboo table) are the only other items of furniture present.*
(*Incidentally, I still own the wardrobe, the chest of drawers, the wooden chair, and the bamboo table. My parents dispensed with the other items decades ago.)
It was in this room I shared with my brother between 1965 and '72 that I first became acquainted with Enid Blyton's Famous Five. As recounted in a previous post, I no longer recall precisely how many of their adventures I read back then, perhaps three or four at the very most. I recently bought the first ten books in the series (in paperback) and showed you the cover artwork, but since then I've purchased the remaining eleven tales (21 in all) and now present them as well.
I've already read more of the Five's books in the here-and-now than I did in the late '60s, and when I eventually finish the remaining tales, my grown up encounters with them will far outweigh those of my childhood by an even wider margin. Strangely, I yet associate the 'quintet' with my former home where I first 'met' them, more than I do my current one. In my mind's eye, I seem to recall these covers gracing the top of that old sewing machine in my former bedroom.
I suppose some associations are difficult to shed (not that I'm trying to), but perhaps, with the passing of the years, I'll eventually come to view the Five in the context of my present abode as well as my former one. Time, as they say, will tell - assuming I'm blessed with the luxury of the continued presence of ol' Mr. Fugit for a good while longer.
Anyway, once again conjuring up a vanished age, here are the remaining covers in this entertaining series of books.
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When I couldn't find a single Biggles book in the school library I tried a Famous Five, title no longer remembered. I thought it childish, I was about nine at the time, and saw no reason to read any others.
ReplyDeleteWhen she was about the same age, my daughter was given some of the series by my mother when she visited from the UK. My daughter loved the stories and ended up with the whole series. To my mind this left the impression the books were adventures for girls not boys.
Going by the amount of children who read Biggles, T47, they could legitimately be described as kids books, though that's not necessarily a negative assessment. Had I not read any Famous Five books as a child, I doubt I'd even be interested in reading them today, but I find them entertaining in a charming, nostalgic kind of a way. Incidentally, there were also 10 (I think) short stories featuring the Five, which were a lot more simple in style - perhaps it was one of those you read? Can't say I see the books as being more for girls, especially as the only girl in the book dresses and acts like a boy and wants to be one. When you think about it, that's a pretty deep subject for a kids book, eh?
ReplyDeleteThe 'Just William' books by Richmal Crompton are generally regarded as being for kids, though the stories were originally penned for an adult readership. They're among the funniest tales ever written - for any age group.
Now you're talking! - Just William! Recommended to me by my Mother (who had enjoyed them as a girl!) and she was not wrong!
DeleteI only read one Famous 5 book and like Terranova I wasnt that impressed ( I also can't recall the title either) but I love those covers. I can't remember many books that I read as a child other than Biggles and things like Noddy, Noggin the Nog and books like "Ring of Bright water". I envy your memory at times
ReplyDeleteYeah, JP, the stories are absolutely hilarious at times and elicit laugh-out-loud chuckles. I'll have to double-check to make sure I've got a full set, but I think I have.
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I'm unsure whether I've ever read any Noddy tales, McS, but given the subject matter, I'd hazard a guess that the Five's adventures were a much better read - even though they were both by Enid Blyton. As to my memory, sadly, it seems to be atrophying the older I get.
Well I read Noddy (and Noggin) as a child ( under 5) Kid. I do remember reading the Moleworths books by Geoffrey Williams when I was around 10 or 11 and enjoyed them , although that may have been due to Roger Searles wonderful illos.
ReplyDeleteRonald Searle not Roger sorry.
ReplyDeleteWonderful ! another post about the famous five. May have to start reading them all again. I also liked the secret seven but I think they were more for slightly younger readers. However I enjoyed the five find outers "mystery" series of books and have just finished the Barney mystery series the first four of which were just as good as the famous five. Hope I'm not being too obscure here!
ReplyDeleteYou should give some of the 'Just William' books a try, McS. The early ones in particular are good, but they're all worth a read.
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I take it the 'Find Outer' books are the short FF stories, AL, but I don't think I'll be bothering with them as they seem written for very young readers. Don't know about the Barney mystery series, but I think the 3 Investigator books are great examples of that particular genre.
No the five find outers (and dog) were a different series of 15 books whose leader was Fatty who was a master of disguises . A recurring character was PC Goon. I rated the series very highly. The first book was The mystery of the burnt cottage. I re read a few of them about 5 years ago and was still impressed. Quite hard to find with the original covers though
ReplyDeleteI'll maybe give one of them a try some day to see what they're like, AL. However, I'm alternating between Blyton's Famous Five and Howard's Conan stories at the moment, which will take some time. I can only read in short bursts as I fall asleep when I have to focus my thoughts on anything that requires intense application of my attention. Same with trying to watch TV.
ReplyDeleteI was intending to write a longer message ages ago about your first FF post but never got around to it. I always seem to be working, sorting my 3000 comics out or watching TV. Had to quickly respond about the Five Find-Outers (and dog). This is my favourite Blyton series and I re-read them every ten years or so. Some people may call them childish but I think they are funny, exciting and clever. They paint a picture of an idyllic time for children to grow up in England. I can recommend The Mystery of the Invisible Thief although they are all good in their own way. I've still got all 15 books. It took me a while to track down the last one I needed, The Mystery of the Strange Messages. I finally found it on holiday in Dawlish Warren circa 1980. I was annoyed to find it 10p dearer than the other books but it was so rare I just had to have it! 60p was a lot to me back then! Loved Enid Blyton's books as a child and I still have a fondness for our greatest children's author.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you posting again, Kid. Hope you're feeling a bit better. 👍
ReplyDeleteAh, I didn't realise that the Find-Outers were also by Enid Blyton. That's part of the appeal of the Famous Five for me, the evocation of an idyllic age that seemed very real to me when I was a kid, though it may have been only an illusion even then. I, too, have books that I like to re-read every so often, just because they're such memorable stories. Thanks for the kind sentiments and for commenting.
ReplyDeleteI have to cast my vote for the Five Find-Outers as well, Kid, as they were my first introduction to Enid Blyton's world of child crime-solvers. Every story a cracker. It was only once I'd exhausted all of the Five Find-Outer Armada paperbacks that my older cousin lent me her hardbacks of the Famous Five she had grown up with in the 1950s, along with some of the "Mallory Towers" books. At age 7 or 8, these books made a big impression.
ReplyDeleteThat's convinced me then, B, I'll have to give them a go. I'll borrow some from my local library before I commit myself to parting with my dosh. (Frugal Scotsman, remember.) Have you ever read the 'Just William' books? If not, give 'em a try.
ReplyDeleteAh, the William books….now you’re talking. I can’t vouch for how the Five Find-Outers books will read all these years later, but the William books are just as funny now as when I first read them as a lad.
ReplyDeleteMy first book was "William the Fourth", with its wonderful illustrations by Thomas Henry. I think my favourite story is 'William and The Waxwork Prince' from “William” (book 10), featuring some hilarious interactions between William and 'Ole Markie', his school teacher.
I don't think I could pick a favourite, as I find them all funny, B. The plots are extremely intricately worked out and what appears to be random threads throughout a story, all tie together beautifully by the finish. I've got a DVD box set of the '70s TV series, though I've only watched a few so far (saw them all at the time), so I must sit down and view some more. And re-read the books.
ReplyDeleteHope you are well Kid and another cracking post. May I also add my vote for the enduring magic of the Enid Blyton books especially the Mystery series of 15 books. I read them originally in that late 60's/early 70's and loved them. Read all the Famous 5 and Secret 7, which I love but these Mystery books have an added dimension of humour which elevates them to the gold standard. They are funny, witty, clever and suggest to me the author spent additional time and effort and it shows. Famous 5 are very dated now with ginger pop and boarding school references whereas these books are modern in comparison........early 1970's modern, if you know what will mean. Mystery of Banshee towers is a personal favourite. Have about 30 paperback doubles which are free to a good home if any one would like them. Keep kept the goodworkgKidg
ReplyDeleteThanks, Triple F, glad you enjoyed the post. I will eventually get around to reading the Mystery books given enough time, but though I enjoy reading, it tires me out within a very short span. I'd like to be able to re-read the William and Biggles books, but I fear I'll have to either discover or invent a miracle energy drink to restore my vim and vigour. Keep up the good comments.
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