Journal 67

[Eddie Muir]

Another superb edition, which I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. Many thanks to Tony and all the contributors.

[Julie2owlsdene]

Really enjoyed the Journal, but then I always enjoy reading the Journal and the contributions inside.

I've enjoyed reading Ilsa's contributions, of the 'after parts' of some of Enid's stories. Shows how much we love these books and the characters to want everyone to know their own thoughts on what happened afterwards.

Anita, as always inspires one to read the book she is writing about. Great article Timv. Your dedication to this series and the locations is awesome.

Thanks to Tony for putting it all together, and the contributors.

[Daisy]

Thank you Julie, it's good to know my thoughts of how some minor characters turned out is appreciated. I have enjoyed thinking about them and guessing how things may have happened for them.

[Sallyh]

A great issue and so enjoyed all the articles. There was a particular focus this time on the Famous Five and it has made me want to re-read this series, although it was never one of my favourites - the Adventure series, the Mystery series and the Barney series being my favourites - including the specials such as the Mistletoe Farm series, one of Enid's best. Thank you Tony for another great issue.4

[number 6]

Hello to Eddie & Julie2owlsdene! I've missed you both!

[Eddie Muir]

Thank you for your kind comment, Number 6.

[number 6]

You're welcome, Eddie. Nice to hear from you!

[Julie2owlsdene]

Thank you, number 6, nice of you to say.

[number 6]

It's nice to hear from you, Julie!

[Rob Houghton]

Hello to Eddie & Julie2owlsdene! I've missed you both!

Completely agree. It was lovely to see Eddie and Julie back on the forums - I've missed their contributions - and also those of John Pickup.

[Eddie Muir]

Many thanks for your kind words, Rob.

[Anita Bensoussane]

Another excellent Journal - a big thank you to Tony for producing a magazine of such quality as well as quantity. Tony always pays attention to detail and it's great that he chose a November Sunny Stories Calendar page (1951) which chimes with November 2018 (i.e. 1st November falling on a Thursday, etc.) The illustration by Dorothy Wheeler is scrumptious and is just one of many wonderful illustrations throughout the Journal, not least the beautiful seasonal front cover, the Poll the Parrot centre-spread (I particularly like Poll being hosed by the gardener!) and the News Chronicle birthday party invitation on the back.

It's interesting too to see the Phyllis Chase illustration above the Editorial, though the children and beds seem out of proportion to me! I chuckled at Tony's remark about being "in Royal David's city" - I was pleased to see the contributions from David Chambers and David Rudd as they always have something new to bring to the table. It would be nice to have another David back too - David Cook! The Ladies' Year Book sounds fascinating.

Thanks for the further comments about my own article on Five on a Treasure Island. I love the endpapers illustration that Tony has used for the title - it's extremely dramatic.

David Rudd's article on Sheila Ray was of interest to me (as was John Lester's letter) as I've read The Blyton Phenomenon three times. It's strange to think that Sheila Ray delivered a lecture in 1968 designed to ensure that librarians of the future avoided stocking Blyton books - yet soon found herself re-evaluating Enid Blyton and acknowledging her merits as a writer. I like the sound of the cottage in which Sheila lived with her husband, Colin - "how they moved around their cottage, given the piles of books everywhere, was itself a mystery. I seem to remember that there were even stacks of books on each of their stair treads, but I could be mistaken." Sounds like the home of a true book-lover!

John Lester's article on The Animals of Adventure reminded me what an incredible assortment of creatures are associated with Philip. I'd completely forgotten that Philip keeps a snail in his pocket - surely not advisable!

Now, the Famous Five meet the Scientists? Well they met a few in the 21 books we know and love but can any one tell me who Oliver Hume is?

I think it's actually Oliver Humes, a scientist's son who appears in the short story 'Good Old Timmy!'

There was a particular focus this time on the Famous Five and it has made me want to re-read this series, although it was never one of my favourites - the Adventure series, the Mystery series and the Barney series being my favourites - including the specials such as the Mistletoe Farm series, one of Enid's best.

Your favourites are the same as mine, Sally!

I'll have more to say about the Journal in another post. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as always.

[Chrissie777]

It's still not here.

[Boatbuilder]

Maybe Tony should consider an e-version as well, Chrissie. Could be done easily as a downloadable PDF file.

[Daisy]

Now, the Famous Five meet the Scientists? Well they met a few in the 21 books we know and love but can any one tell me who Oliver Hume is?

I think it's actually Oliver Humes, a scientist's son who appears in the short story 'Good Old Timmy!'

Thanks Anita - I'll have to keep a look out for that one - having researched it in the cave I know where to look.