Product Description
The novelist Elizabeth Goudge describes the life of the cathedral close where she grew up, how her life was overshadowed by depression and how she blossomed into a writer of repute. This autobiography is an attempt to recapture happy memories and to share some conclusions about work and life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A joyful autobiography
Miss Goudge's autobiography has all the qualities that makes her fiction such a pleasure to read, vivid, interesting characters, marvellous descriptions of places, and lovely touches of humour. The earlier part of her life is described in the grteatest detail, her childhood in Wells, her teenage years in Ely, her twenties and thirties in oxford, where her father was Regius Professor of Theology.As in her novels, spirituality is very a very improtant part of the book, there are many accounts of religious and supernatural experiences, both her own and others, particularly those of her mother, whose life was blighted by illness and pain, but who remained gay and vivacious throughout her painful life, buoyed up by religious faith and indomitable courage.The humorous touches are wonderful, as when she describes the convoluted relationships on her father's side of the family, where there had been much intermarriage between cousins etc.One of her relatives once tried to sort out the family tree, but "on coming to the conclusion that he was his own uncle,he gave up in despair."If you have enjoyed reading miss Goudge's novels, you will want to read this too. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent collection of short stories
I received this from my grandmother's collection. When I read
the first tale, The Two Caves, I knew I had to finish the rest. Hope they reissue these! Also includes: "The Silver Horse","Three Men," Lost-One Angel","Saint Nicolas","John", and "Giovanni"
From back cover: "Fate and silver-maned horse guide four orphans to a new home; An angel lost in London brings joy to two old and lonely hearts (our favorite); a disciple of Jesus in an angony of pain and remorse learns the meaning of resurrection; a rapscallion band of itinerant actors play the spirit of Christmas and find it in their tattered souls... ... Read more

Product Description
In describing herself the author once said, "I am not a serious chronicler of the very terrible contemporary scene, but just a storyteller. There is so much tragedy about us everywhere today that we surely don't want it in the storybooks to which we turn when we are ill or unhappy. We must escape somewhere."

In THE GOLDEN SKYLARK, a collection of short stories, Goudge provides that escape. Included are "The Cat and the Sailing Ship", "A Crock of Gold", "The New Moon", "The Dark Lady" and many others, all with her sympathetic knowledge of human nature and her marvelous skill at portraying the English countryside and the world of childhood. ... Read more

Product Description
In THE CITY OF BELLS the author introduces the Fordyce family, an odd collection of characters.There is Grandfather, small and twinkly, slightly uneasy being Canon of the Cathedral after a lifetime of slum ministry; Grandmother, a stickler for the proprieties; Hugh Anthony, an orphaned grandson and a curious incorrigible at eight; Henrietta, ten, an orphan with a loving nature; and Jocelyn, a grown grandson, newly home from the Boer War.

The cathedral itself is a character, with its amazing clock. The Bishop's moated palace has swans who ring to be fed. The town's cobbled streets wind up the blue hills of Somerset that form a backdrop for this story that combines romance, mystery and humor. ... Read more

Product Description
An anthology of novelist Elizabeth Goudge's favourite writings and poems on the theme of peace. ... Read more

Product Description
Part One Of Two Parts

THE CHILD FROM THE SEA is the story of Lucy Walter, a child of transcendent beauty and spirituality. Born in 17th century England, Lucy grows up to become the secret wife of Charles II.

Against the drama of the times and the machinations of the court, such a union had scant hope for success, but as a love match, the marriage remains a beautiful and tender romance.

"Suspenseful...powerful...THE CHILD FROM THE SEA casts a magic spell." (Cleveland Plain Dealer) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Why is this out of print?
Why is this lovely children's book out of print?

It was one of my favourites as a child and I read it over and over again. The Little White Horse is thankfully still available, so why not this one? Come on publishers, bring it back!

It is a finely plotted tale of magic, smugglers, evil customs officers, fairies, dogs, children and divine rabbit stew. Goudge paints a picture of a romantic, enchanting world where although there is sadness and pain, joy and hope eventually win the day. Truly magical.

Smoky House, by Elizabeth Goudge
I first read this book when I was about 16 years of age.It is a lovely story based in the West Country of England, which is a place where the doorway between the world of the 18th Century and that of the world offaery is still open, and the little people can be called upon at night tomagically help keep house.The story has everything in it - smugglers,hangings, children on a mission, bad guys, good guys and a stubborn donkey. I loaned my copy of this book (which was a birthday present) to a friendyears ago and am now seeking a copy to share with my daughter.Ithoroughly recommend it - even if it does persist with silly ideas likebabies coming from the cabbage patch! ... Read more

Product Description
Christ Church, Oxford is the location of this tale of the Leigh family, set in the days of Queen Elizabeth I.

In her notes about the origin of the book Elizabeth Goudge writes: "It is impossible to live in an old city and not ask oneself continually, what was it like in ages gone by?Who were the men, women and children who lived in my home centuries ago, and what were their thoughts and actions as they lived out their lives day by day in the place where I now live mine?"

"Goudge brings to life a number of traditional Oxford legends.The book has that indescribable quality, charm." (B-O-T Editorial Review Board) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Another masterpiece
Unsurprisingly enough, Elizabeth Goudge has done it again.This is a beautiful story of love in its many forms.Goudge does not so much bring her characters to life as present us with living beings with whom to acquaint ourselves.And her descriptions of the physical world are, as always, unsurpassable.Read this book, and get your hands on everything else she ever wrote. ... Read more