Yes, Journal Gems. Focusing on articles from past Journals.
Reminding those who have already read the stories, and perhaps enticing curious ones to take the plunge and subscribe to the excellent Enid Blyton Society Journal.
Sadly the old memory is not what it once was and I don't recall the story but I shall dig out Journal 61 and re-read it. Smashing idea for a new topic Pete.
"I love everything that's old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wines." Oliver Goldsmith
I'm having a re-read of some early journals, and am fascinated by how much things have changed in just 20 years or so, such as advertisements of newly released videos!
It's with mixed feelings I read about the Enid Blyton days. I have to remind myself that I was lucky enough to attend the last day, and not think of all the other days I either didn't know about, or wasn't able to attend.
A lovely wintery, Christmassy cover I'm sure you'll agree.
The all important contents page. Which ones catch your eye?
We mustn't forget Journal 58's glorious rear!
Who was Audry Saint Lo? - Ho Ho Ho, I'm sure you know!
Wonder how old she was when she wrote that?
I have it on good authority that ladies and even red blooded males enjoy a good centrespread.
Fortunately, Journal 58 does not let us down on that score!
So there we have just another little taster or snippet from a great winter Journal from years gone by.
If you haven't subscribed to the Journal yet you can do so here:
That was a good 'un, Pete. Articles about Stuart Tresillian, Snubby, The Secret of Killimooin, Rob Houghton's Desert Island Blytons, just some of the great reads from that journal. The short story What Happened Over The Wall was excellent, there was a character called Anita Mary in it.
I agree John, this issue was outstanding. I too loved The short story What Happened Over The Wall.
I doubt if I would ever have read it and discovered it if not for its inclusion in the Journal.
I thought I knew a lot about Enid Blyton until I subscribed to The Journal - I quickly realised how little I really knew and how much (happily) there was still to learn!
Enid Blyton for me as an enthusiast is an author that just keeps on giving!
Regards
Pete
" A kind heart always brings its own reward," said Mrs. Lee.
- The Christmas Tree Aeroplane - Society Member
It's amazing how much is packed into each Journal. I'm in the middle of watching the New Zealand Adventure series again and will have to re-read Nick Hopkins' informative articles about that once I've finished (in Journals 61 - 62).
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.
"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
One Journal article that particularly interested me was in Issue 8, by Charles Brand. It was about the possible inspiration for The Faraway Tree. I found it so interesting that I made a point of visiting the tree (in Kensington Gardens).
I remember an article in an early journal which was the real story behind Lucy Loud Mouth. It really fascinated me at the time and is one of the few journal articles I can recall quite well.
I wonder if there could a section in the journal which reprints old articles as I'm sure some of the old journals are very hard to come by.
If I could live here on this secret island always and always and always, and never grow up at all, I would be quite happy
pete9012S wrote: ↑16 Apr 2017, 12:07
With Tony's permission,I have scanned the excellent Journal article and added it to the Sunny Stories excerpt about Lucy Loud Voice.
The interview is at the end of this link:
Lucy Loud Voice - Including rare Enid Blyton Magazine Interview:
Talking of Journal gems, of all the journals I have, there isn't one illustration on the cover that I don't like.
A hardback book containing all this beautiful artwork would be priceless.
And hopefully, Maxey free. Sorry, Pete.
pete9012S wrote: ↑09 Nov 2021, 10:03
Ooh, your post started out so well John.
You waited until the very end to thrust that inflammatory anti Maxey dagger straight into my heart!
Have you recovered from the shock Pete or should I send you a nice cup of tea (or something stronger like a double brandy) to help revive you?