Arthur Ransome (1884 – 1967) is best known today for writing the Swallows and Amazons series of novels which “changed British children’s literature, affected a whole generation’s view of holidays, helped to create the national image of the English Lake District, and added Arthur Ransome’s name to the select list of classic British children’s authors,” (Peter Hunt, Approaching Arthur Ransome, 1992).

The 12 Swallows and Amazons books represent only part of Arthur Ransome’s fascinating literary works. In total he published over 40 books and made significant contributions to many more. He also wrote over 1,500 articles for newspapers and magazines on a range of subjects reflecting his varied careers and interests as an author, illustrator, story teller, critic, essayist, editor, war reporter, political journalist, amateur diplomat, suspected spy, bohemian, romantic, sailor and angler. It is perhaps no surprise that he once wrote he had “lived not one life but snatches from a dozen different lives.”

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