Five On A Treasure Island And The Adventures Of The Famous Five – A Uniform Set – Twenty-One Volumes Complete Including Three First Editions

Author: Enid Blyton
Illustrator: Eileen Soper
Price: £995
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, London, UK
Publication Dates: 1960-1965
Editions: See below
Format: Original cloth gilt. Dustwrappers
Condition: Very good plus in very good plus dustwrappers
Sizes: 13.3cm x 19.2cm

Condition:

Published by Hodder & Stoughton, London, UK. Dates: 1963, 1963, 1963, 1960, 1964, 1965, 1964, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1964, 1964, 1964, 1962, 1964, 1960, 1963, 1962, 1963. Editions: 16th, 13th, 12th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 11th, 9th, 9th, 9th, 7th, 6th, 7th, 6th, 4th, 3rd, 4th, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st. Illustrated throughout by Eileen Soper. Condition: Bindings nice and tight. Edges slightly spotted. Neat ink name and address of the same person to all but the fourth, seventh, fifteenth and twenty-first title. Pages otherwise generally very nice and clean. Certainly very good plus in very good plus dustwrappers which are slightly creased and rubbed but in lovely bright, clean and uniform condition. All from within a five year period. Very scarce thus.

The Adventures Of The Famous Five: A Short Description

“The Famous Five” is one of Enid Blyton’s most popular and enduring adventure series, consisting of 21 novels published between 1942 and 1963. The series follows a group of children—Julian, Dick, Anne, George (Georgina), and their dog Timmy—as they solve mysteries and embark on thrilling adventures, often while on school holidays. The books are set in idyllic countryside locations, often involving castles, caves, hidden treasure, and secret passageways.

Key Characters:

1. Julian: The eldest of the Famous Five, Julian is mature, responsible, and acts as the natural leader of the group. He is protective of his younger siblings and cousin and is brave in the face of danger.
2. Dick: Julian’s younger brother, Dick is known for his quick wit, humour, and resourcefulness. He is close to George and often helps solve problems during their adventures.
3. Anne: The youngest of the group, Anne is more cautious and prefers to avoid danger. However, she often plays a vital role in the group’s plans and is responsible for looking after the domestic side of their adventures, like packing food and organising camps.
4. George (Georgina): George is a tomboy who insists on being called by her boyish nickname. She is independent, strong-willed, and highly loyal to her friends. Her dog Timmy is her constant companion, and she often leads the group into adventure.
5. Timmy: George’s beloved dog, Timmy is an integral member of the Famous Five. He is brave, intelligent, and often helps the group out of dangerous situations. Timmy’s loyalty and keen senses make him invaluable during the group’s adventures.

Common Themes and Settings:

The Famous Five stories typically revolve around the group encountering a mystery while they are on holiday, often in the countryside, at the coast, or near old castles and ruins. The stories usually involve:

• Secret passages and hidden treasures.
• Criminal gangs or shady characters who are up to no good.
• The group solving puzzles and using clues to crack mysteries.
• Action and adventure in remote locations, such as islands, caves, and forests.
• The children demonstrating courage, teamwork, and resourcefulness to outwit the villains.

Notable Books in the Series:

1. Five on a Treasure Island (1942):
   • This is the first book in the series and sets the tone for the Famous Five’s adventures. The group spends the holidays on Kirrin Island, owned by George’s family, and discovers a treasure map that leads to an exciting quest.
2. Five Go Adventuring Again (1943):
   • In this sequel, the Famous Five return to Kirrin Island, where they uncover a secret map that leads to an adventure involving hidden documents and a mysterious tutor.
3. Five Run Away Together (1944):
   • The Famous Five take matters into their own hands when they suspect that something suspicious is happening at George’s home, leading to a daring adventure on Kirrin Island.
4. Five Go to Smuggler’s Top (1945):
   • The group visits Smuggler’s Top, a mansion full of secret tunnels and mysterious happenings, where they must deal with smugglers and secret agents.
5. Five Go Off in a Caravan (1946):
   • The Five embark on a caravan holiday and encounter circus folk, discovering a plot involving hidden criminals.
6. Five on Finniston Farm (1960):
   • In this later book, the Famous Five investigate the mystery of buried treasure on a farm while dealing with local trouble-makers.

Appeal and Legacy:

• Independence: One of the key attractions of the Famous Five series is the children’s independence. They are often left to their own devices, free to explore and solve mysteries without much interference from adults, which has appealed to young readers for generations.
• Moral Lessons: The stories often emphasise values such as bravery, loyalty, honesty, and teamwork. The Famous Five are always seen as a force for good, solving crimes, helping people in trouble, and standing up for what is right.
• Timeless Setting: The series is set in a timeless version of rural England, with quaint villages, lonely beaches, and sprawling countryside. This nostalgic, picturesque setting has added to the appeal of the stories for many readers.

Adaptations:

• Television: The Famous Five series has been adapted multiple times for television, most notably in the 1970s and again in the 1990s. These adaptations brought the adventures of Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy to life for a new generation of fans.
• Film and Stage: There have been several film adaptations of the Famous Five stories, as well as stage productions.

Impact on Children’s Literature:

Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series has been a significant influence on the adventure and mystery genre for children. It set the tone for countless other adventure stories featuring young protagonists and has inspired generations of readers to seek out similar tales of mystery and adventure.

The Famous Five books continue to be widely read and enjoyed, with their themes of courage, friendship, and problem-solving resonating with young readers today.

Enid Blyton: A Short Biography

Enid Blyton (1897–1968) was a highly prolific and beloved British children’s author, known for her adventure stories, mystery tales, and books featuring magical lands and characters. Her books have sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide, making her one of the best-selling authors in history. Despite some controversy surrounding her work, she remains a significant figure in children’s literature.

Key Aspects of Enid Blyton’s Life and Work:

1. Early Life and Career:

• Blyton was born in East Dulwich, London, and showed an early interest in writing. She trained as a teacher, which influenced her future career as a children’s author.
• Her first stories were published in magazines, and by the 1920s, she had established herself as a regular writer of children’s fiction and educational books.

2. Famous Works and Series:

Blyton is best known for her many series of adventure and mystery books, as well as her stories involving magic and fantasy. Some of her most famous works include:

• The Famous Five: This adventure series follows four children—Julian, Dick, Anne, and Georgina (“George”)—and their dog, Timmy, as they solve mysteries and embark on thrilling adventures. First published in 1942, the series remains one of her most popular, with over 20 books.
• The Secret Seven: Another mystery series, this one features a group of child detectives who solve crimes and unravel mysteries in their town. The first book was published in 1949, and the series became a favourite for young readers who enjoyed detective stories.
• Noddy: Blyton’s Noddy books, written for younger children, are set in Toyland and feature the adventures of a little wooden boy named Noddy. The books were first published in 1949 and were later adapted into successful TV shows.
• The Adventure Series and The Mystery Series: These two series are also popular among readers for their fast-paced plots and adventurous spirit.
• The Magic Faraway Tree: This fantasy series, beginning with The Enchanted Wood (1939), follows a group of children who discover a magical tree inhabited by eccentric characters like Moon-Face and Silky the fairy. The tree leads to different fantastical lands at its top, offering readers a sense of wonder and escapism.

3. Writing Style and Themes:

• Blyton’s writing is known for its clarity, simplicity, and ability to engage young readers. Her plots are fast-paced, with strong moral underpinnings about friendship, teamwork, honesty, and bravery.
• The adventures in her stories often feature children solving problems independently, with little adult intervention, which empowers young readers.
• The books frequently take place in idyllic English countryside settings, offering a sense of nostalgia and escape.

4. Controversies and Criticism:

• While Enid Blyton’s works have been loved by generations, they have also attracted criticism for their simplistic characterisations and outdated social attitudes. In particular, some of her works have been criticised for reflecting gender stereotypes, class bias, and even xenophobic and racist attitudes, which were more prevalent during the time they were written.
• Blyton’s portrayal of certain characters, such as those from non-British backgrounds, has been viewed as problematic in the modern context. As a result, many modern editions of her books have been edited to remove offensive language or stereotypes.

5. Legacy:

• Despite the controversies, Enid Blyton’s books continue to be beloved by children across the world, and her stories have been translated into over 90 languages. Her ability to write prolifically and connect with the imaginations of young readers has earned her an enduring legacy.
• Her work has been adapted into numerous films, TV series, and stage plays, ensuring her stories remain a part of popular culture.
• Blyton’s books have inspired many young readers to embrace a love of adventure, mystery, and fantasy, and her influence on children’s literature is undeniable.

6. Personal Life:

• Blyton’s personal life was not without its challenges. She had two daughters, Gillian and Imogen, with her first husband, Hugh Pollock. Her marriage to Pollock ended in divorce in 1942, and she later married Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters.
• Her daughter, Imogen, later wrote a memoir about their relationship, suggesting that Blyton was emotionally distant as a mother, which contrasts with the warmth and kindness often associated with her books.

Conclusion:

Enid Blyton’s vast body of work, particularly her Famous Five, Secret Seven, and Noddy series, has made her one of the most beloved children’s authors in the world. Her influence on generations of readers is undeniable, even as her works are re-examined in light of changing social values. Blyton’s legacy as a writer who created thrilling adventures for children remains a significant part of her enduring appeal.

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