Barbara Willard (1909–1994)
Author of Son of Charlemagne
About the Author
Series
Works by Barbara Willard
Filename: ETRV115 1 copy
The Story of Charlemagne 1 copy
Winter in disguise 1 copy
Eight for a secret 1 copy
Portrait of Philip 1 copy
Associated Works
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Other names
- Willard, Barbara Mary
- Birthdate
- 1909-03-12
- Date of death
- 1994-02-18
- Gender
- female
- Education
- convent school
- Occupations
- children's book author
novelist
actor - Organizations
- Ashdown Forest Board of Conservators
- Short biography
- Barbara Willard came from an acting family. Her father was Edmund Willard, a British actor known for his Shakespearean roles, and her great-uncle was E.S. (Edward Smith) Willard, a Victorian stage actor. Barbara herself originally began a career as an actress, but abandoned it in her early twenties. Beginning in 1930, she wrote several novels for adults before turning to children's literature. Her most famous work was the Mantlemass Chronicles, a series of historical novels spanning the 15th to 17th centuries, published between 1970 and 1988. One of the books, The Iron Lily (1973), won the annual Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. The entire series was critically acclaimed and ensured her a lasting place in children's historical fiction. In 1956, Willard moved to a new home on the edge of Ashdown Forest in Sussex, an area she loved. It inspired many of her children's books, which she imbued with local history, customs and dialect. She also was elected to the forest's Board of Conservators in 1975, and served in that position for 10 years.
- Nationality
- UK
- Birthplace
- Brighton, Sussex, England, UK
- Places of residence
- Sussex, England, UK
Nutley, Sussex, England, UK - Place of death
- Wivelsfield Green, East Sussex, England, UK
- Map Location
- England, UK
Members
Reviews
• 183 pages
• Historical fiction
Written from the perspective of Carl, Charlemagne’s second son, the reader journeys through the military, familial, and spiritual life of Charles the Great, King of the Franks. Carl experiences the consequences of seemingly cruel decisions made in hopes that the greater good of Charlemagne’s earthly as well as heavenly kingdom will be served. His father is, at once, a loving father and husband as well as a murderer and one who would deprive the show more inheritance of his eldest son because of his hunchback. As Charlemagne seeks to rebuild the Roman Empire in the West, his family often pays dearly.
This is a well-written book that gives a very good birds’ eye view of the life of Charlemagne. In some ways it is generous to Charlemagne’s character, but it does not sugar-coat his merciless killing of 4500 Saxons. This is more suited for middle school, but a strong reader who loves history and can handle the hard scenes of war will enjoy this book. show less
• Historical fiction
Written from the perspective of Carl, Charlemagne’s second son, the reader journeys through the military, familial, and spiritual life of Charles the Great, King of the Franks. Carl experiences the consequences of seemingly cruel decisions made in hopes that the greater good of Charlemagne’s earthly as well as heavenly kingdom will be served. His father is, at once, a loving father and husband as well as a murderer and one who would deprive the show more inheritance of his eldest son because of his hunchback. As Charlemagne seeks to rebuild the Roman Empire in the West, his family often pays dearly.
This is a well-written book that gives a very good birds’ eye view of the life of Charlemagne. In some ways it is generous to Charlemagne’s character, but it does not sugar-coat his merciless killing of 4500 Saxons. This is more suited for middle school, but a strong reader who loves history and can handle the hard scenes of war will enjoy this book. show less
The year is 781 A.D. King Charles of the Franks is crossing the Alps with his family and court on a journey to meet with Pope Hadrian. One frosty night he speaks to his young son Carl of his plans for the future. "When we come to Rome you will know that I am naming you my heir. One day you will rule over all my lands...." But the King already had an heir, Pepin the Hunchback, mockingly called Gobbo. Was he to be dispossessed? Yet Carl sees that Charlemagne is determined to do what he feels show more is best to serve God and Europe. "Save me, O Lord from my own arrogance!" was a prayer the King spoke often. "But strengthen me in arrogance for Thy sake!" The story of the great Emperor Charlemagne and his son Carl will stir the minds and imaginations of young people, while they discover the grand dimensions of western Europe's foundation. show less
Young Simon, recently and tragically orphaned, becomes a scribe in the following of the exiled Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. The uncertainty of the tumultuous years leading to the infamous cathedral slaying is heightened by Simon's separation from his twin Edmund, who is in the service of King Henry II. With an expert pen Barbara Willard deftly recounts events leading to the bishop's martyrdom in 1170.
It is 597 and young Wolf has journeyed many difficult miles from Rome to the land of his birth. He witnesses the historic meeting between the Saxon King of Kent and the man who would be known as St. Augustine of Canterbury. Wolf, with Fritha, a Saxon girl, must also face the unknown to see the cross firmly replanted in English soil.
Lists
THE WAR ROOM (1)
Sonlight Books (1)
Awards
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Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 66
- Also by
- 6
- Members
- 3,486
- Popularity
- #7,297
- Rating
- 4.0
- Reviews
- 16
- ISBNs
- 144
- Languages
- 2
- Favorited
- 4