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Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 15:58
by Viking Star
Below is a link to an article on the BBC web site reporting an unpublished and previously unknown Enid Book: Mr Tumpy's Caravan.

The typescript was one of those bought by Seven Stories last year at the auction of Gillian's belongings. I seem to recall discussion at the time as to whether the book was new or a copy of the published picture book. It's new!

Tony and Imogen are quoted in the article.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12511512" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 16:28
by Tony Summerfield
This story has been in the pipeline for the last week or so as somebody at the BBC noticed it on the Seven Stories blog where it was actually posted a few months ago. It seems it may now be coming to a head as it is supposed to be on the BBC News tonight, but I guess this might depend on problems in Libya and an Earthquake in New Zealand. My phone has been red hot over the last few days and as yet the press haven't got involved. :roll:

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 17:07
by Viking Star
Two people forwarded me the link this afternoon, so it seems to be getting some attention.

Is it definitely true that Chorion own the rights to the book, even though they don't have a copy :lol: and it wasn't published? I guess they own the rights to Mr Tumpy.

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 17:23
by Katharine
It would be lovely if this book could be printed. I hope it's not left to gather dust on a shelf because of legal red tape. An ideal solution would be for most of the profits from the sale of the book to go to Seven Stories to enable them to keep up their great work.

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 17:23
by Timmylover
This is very exciting news. What an honour for the archivist to be able to read an unpublished manuscript of a Blyton book. I await further news with great interest.

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 20:23
by noddy13
Ive been off vacationing from the site for such a long time, only to be thrust headlong into exciting times...and of course that means the lost book.

I guess Tony... you are going to be one busy individual over the next few weeks. Just what you need... you thought it was all done and dusted....

Have fun

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 20:25
by Tony Summerfield
This link which was sent to me by Ian Youngs at the BBC tells you more about the book than the link above.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12537902" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 20:54
by Julie2owlsdene
I didn't see it on the news. Was it the radio I should have been listening too, I wonder? :?

8)

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 22:06
by chloe1
I am a bit confused - it is dated 1930s but Imogen thinks it is from much later??

Either way it is very exciting. Heres hoping that Chorion do the right thing and let Seven Stories keep the ownership. I would much rather see it published in original text and Seven Stories keep any profits than what I dread to think Chorion will do with it in their greedy little mitts.

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 23:09
by Tony Summerfield
It is coming on the BBC News on BBC 1 in the very near future!

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 22 Feb 2011, 23:57
by Lucky Star
It was one of the last articles on the BBC Ten o Clock news. They had a nice little comment from Imogen and some comments from Hannah Green(?) of Seven Stories. They also had some very positive opinions from children. I seem to have heard of Mr Tumpy's Caravan before. Wasn't there a journal article about it some time ago? I'll look it up in the morning. Great to see Enid featuring on the BBC's flagship news programme. :D

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 23 Feb 2011, 00:04
by Sophia
My husband saw it on the BBC site and pointed it out to me. I recognized your name immediately, Tony :mrgreen: Lovely news!

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 23 Feb 2011, 00:45
by Viv of Ginger Pop
Great stuff. I wonder how it compares to The surprising caravan which also has legs?

http://www.enidblytonsociety.co.uk/book ... ng+Caravan" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Viv

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 23 Feb 2011, 02:13
by Moonraker
If you did miss it, check out iPlayer! :D

Re: Lost Enid Blyton book 'Mr Tumpy's Caravan' found

Posted: 23 Feb 2011, 10:12
by Viv of Ginger Pop
Take note of Will Gompertz's signing off line - once again the word spiffing is being used as a Blytonian term. :twisted:

Viv