Author of Swallows and Amazons. (Knew that.)
Won a libel trial against Lord Alfred "that jerk" Douglas. (Didn't know.)
Proposed to "virtually every eligible woman of his acquaintance". (Didn't know.)
Ran away from his wife and daughter... (Didn't know.)
...and ended up shacking up with Trotsky's personal secretary. (Didn't know.)
British spy. (Knew that.)
Possible double agent for the Russians. (Didn't know.)
Note to self: Ask the director to order this book.
PS to self: Will you be able to convince her to import it?
PPS to self: BE VERY CONVINCING.
Note to self: Must do all of the above to my local librarians!!! Also, must re-read ALL of Ransome's books.
Posted by: Sarah I. | 13 August 2009 at 09:39 AM
Potential difficulty: pre-teen girl character named Titty.
Still, it's a great, great book. Kids, boats, island camping, total lack of supervision, and a real cannon.
Posted by: Melynda | 13 August 2009 at 04:31 PM
Man - really want that book!
Posted by: Kelly Fineman | 13 August 2009 at 08:24 PM
This has been made into a lovely, idyllic film (or is it a series? I can't remember at this point) that my family ADORED.
Posted by: Celia | 14 August 2009 at 12:42 AM
WANT! Oh man, I must have this book. Actually, I knew some of these already, but still.
I actually spent a long day searching for the Museum of Lakeland Life in Kendal, the Lake District, England, so I could see Ransome's desk. I did eventually find it and it was pretty amazing!
Posted by: Maureen E | 14 August 2009 at 09:50 AM
Wow. I didn't know any of that either. Although I have always cherished a secret hope that Nancy Blackett parachuted into France during WWII to help sabotage things.
Posted by: Electric Landlady | 17 August 2009 at 05:04 PM