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Edith Nesbit (1858–1924) was a prolific English author and poet, best known for her pioneering work in children's literature. She wrote under the name E. Nesbit and is often credited with inventing the modern children's adventure story.

Key Points About Edith Nesbit:

1. Literary Contributions:
• Nesbit wrote over 60 books for children, including well-loved classics like "The Railway Children," "Five Children and It," and "The Phoenix and the Carpet." Her stories often featured a mix of realistic settings with fantastical elements, which was groundbreaking at the time.
• She also authored poetry, plays, and novels for adults, but her children's books remain the most celebrated.
2. Innovative Style:
• Nesbit's work stood out because she wrote about children as they really were, rather than idealized versions of them. Her characters were often mischievous and independent, facing real-world challenges, which was a departure from the moralistic children's literature that dominated the period.
• She was among the first to set her stories in contemporary settings, using everyday life as a backdrop for magical events.
3. Influence on Other Writers:
• Her writing style and themes influenced many later authors, including C.S. Lewis, who acknowledged her impact on his own work. The blend of the ordinary with the extraordinary in her stories laid the groundwork for much of modern fantasy literature.
4. Personal Life:
• Nesbit was a founding member of the Fabian Society, a socialist organization, and was involved in various political and social causes. Her political beliefs often found their way into her writing.
• She had a complex personal life, marked by financial difficulties, a troubled marriage, and various romantic entanglements.
5. Legacy:
• Edith Nesbit is remembered as a pioneer in children's literature, and her books continue to be read and loved by new generations. Her work has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions.

Edith Nesbit's unique approach to storytelling and her vivid imagination have left an enduring legacy in the world of literature.

Check out our first edition of Edith Nesbit's "The Old Nursery Stories" below.

https://www.bridgesbookshop.com/product/the-old-nursery-stories

"The Old Nursery Stories" is a lesser-known work by Edith Nesbit, first published in 1908. In this collection, Nesbit retells classic fairy tales and nursery stories that were familiar to children of the time.

Key Points About "The Old Nursery Stories":

1. Retelling Classic Tales:
• The collection includes traditional stories like "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Cinderella," and "Puss in Boots." Nesbit aimed to preserve the essence of these timeless tales while giving them a fresh voice.
2. Nesbit’s Style:
• True to her style, Nesbit's retellings are lively and engaging, often adding humor and a conversational tone that makes the stories accessible to children.
• She kept the traditional elements intact but was known to occasionally add her own imaginative twists, making the stories feel more contemporary and relatable.
3. Illustrations:
• The book was illustrated by W. H. Margetson.
4. Reception and Impact:
• Although not as famous as her original works like "The Railway Children," "The Old Nursery Stories"contributed to Nesbit's reputation as a beloved children's author. It showcased her ability to breathe new life into old tales.
• The book appealed to both children and adults, providing a sense of nostalgia for older readers while introducing younger audiences to these classic stories.

"The Old Nursery Stories" is a testament to Edith Nesbit's versatility as a writer. It reflects her deep understanding of children's literature and her ability to reimagine traditional stories in a way that made them resonate with her contemporary audience.