Noel Lloyd

The brief Biography of a fascinating writer. Edward Frederic Benson was born in 1867 and was the son of the Headmaster of Wellington College in Berkshire. Five other children arrived over the next 11 years and of these Arthur and Hugh also became writers. Over the years the family experienced much troubles including depression and madness. E.F. Benson was the most normal,but even he had his moments and doubts.
He wrote a large number of books on a varied number of subjects but most of these are virtually unknown and unread today. The exceptions are the wonderful 'Mapp & Lucia' stories and to a lesser degree his Ghost stories.
He also wrote a very acceptable crime story called 'The Blotting Book'.
In the second part of 'E.F.Benson As He Was', the author gives us a useful Appendix with all of Benson's books not already discussed,listed with details of each one.
A very useful volume indeed for anyone interested in the man and his works.… (more)

After the spilt water had been mopped up they played Snap-apple. Mr Preston had fixed an apple and a candle on either end of a stick which was suspended from a beam by a string. He lit the candle and swung the stick gently in a clockwise direction, then the children took turns to try to grab the apple in their teeth as it swung towards them, avoiding both the candle flame and the grease which spattered out.

A quick read of a children's book that I picked up at a local Book Crossing meeting one October. There wasn't anything too frightening between the covers, but one of the stories is set at Halloween, with the children playing some traditional games including one that risk-adverse modern parents are unlikely to allow!… (more)