William Plomer (1903–1973)
Author of The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast
About the Author
Disambiguation Notice:
"William D'Arfey" was a pseudonym used by William Plomer and Anthony Butts only for Curious Relations.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Works by William Plomer
The fivefold screen 3 copies
The Family Tree 3 copies
Notes for Poems 2 copies
A choice of ballads 1 copy
I speak of Africa 1 copy
Associated Works
Ardizzone's Kilvert : selections from the diary of the Rev. Francis Kilvert, 1870-79 (1976) — Editor — 13 copies
Kilvert's diary, 1870-71. Vol. 1 / Vol. 1 Selections from the diary of the Rev. Francis Kilvert, 1 January 1870-19 August 1871 (1938) — Editor — 8 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Plomer, William Charles Franklyn
- Other names
- Pagan, Robert (pseudonym)
D'Arfey, William (shared pseudonym) - Birthdate
- 1903-12-10
- Date of death
- 1973-09-21
- Gender
- male
- Education
- Rugby School
- Occupations
- writer
librettist
literary editor - Awards and honors
- Order of the British Empire (Commander)
- Relationships
- Campbell, Roy (friend)
Bowes-Lyon, Lilian Helen (friend) - Short biography
- He pronounced Plomer as 'ploomer'.
- Nationality
- UK
- Birthplace
- Pietersburg, Transvaal
- Places of residence
- Pietersberg, Transvaal
Lewes, East Sussex, England - Place of death
- Lewes, East Sussex, England, UK
- Disambiguation notice
- "William D'Arfey" was a pseudonym used by William Plomer and Anthony Butts only for Curious Relations.
Members
Discussions
Older Children's Book in Name that Book (January 2017)
Reviews
An absolutely stunning book. Had literally never heard of it until I saw it on Cyril Connolly’s list of 100 Key Books of the Modern Movement from England, France, and America 1880-1950 a few weeks ago [this review originally posted 2022-03-05]. https://www.themodernnovel.org/their-lists/other/connolly/
Had to track down a copy via inter-library loan. Cannot believe such a powerful, complex work is so little known. Set in South Africa before Apartheid was codified, a story of race relations show more explores bigger themes of identity and selfhood. show less
Had to track down a copy via inter-library loan. Cannot believe such a powerful, complex work is so little known. Set in South Africa before Apartheid was codified, a story of race relations show more explores bigger themes of identity and selfhood. show less
A wonderful retelling of a classic story. Though the artwork was a bit hard to see on my Kindle, it was still a very pleasurable read. To be able to view nature in its complete beauty is something that tends to elude us in our current society, and this story was a good escape away from our complex lives.
This book has been in my collection since I was about 7. It is a wonderfully illustrated collection of verses about the night of the Butterfly Ball and all those who are attending. the characters are beautifully drawn and the rhymes are lovely.
Highly recommended for everyone.
Highly recommended for everyone.
This is a beautiful book of verse, accompanied by full and lustrous illustrations of the Butterfly Ball. I remember this one from when I was a child - there was even a song and film clip released I believe. Great memories and a beautiful book that can be enjoyed by the whole family. A lovely addition to any collection.
Awards
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Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 40
- Also by
- 24
- Members
- 498
- Popularity
- #49,659
- Rating
- 3.5
- Reviews
- 5
- ISBNs
- 55
- Languages
- 4

















