Anne Bullar facts for kids

Anne Bullar (born December 30, 1812 – died June 29, 1856) was an English writer. She wrote many helpful books for children. Her books were very popular and used a lot in schools during her time.

Early Life of Anne Bullar

Anne Bullar was born in Southampton, England, on December 30, 1812. She was one of six children. Her father was a schoolmaster and a church leader. We don't know much about her early life or how she was educated. However, her family was very smart. Her brothers grew up to become lawyers and doctors.

Anne Bullar's Writing Career

Anne Bullar wrote at least six books. Her first book, Elements of Practical Knowledge, was published by 1837. She was not yet 25 years old. Her books were first published without her name on them. But after she passed away, her publisher listed them under her name. Her books were reviewed in magazines across the British Empire and for the armed forces. Many of her books were printed again and again because they were so popular.

Elements of Practical Knowledge

The first book, Elements of Practical Knowledge, was meant to help parents answer their children's questions. It aimed to give clear and correct information. A second edition of this book was printed because so many people wanted it.

Domestic Scenes in Greenland and Iceland

Her second book, Domestic Scenes in Greenland and Iceland, came out in 1844. People who reviewed it said it was written in a very interesting way. They thought it would make children want to learn more. One reviewer even said it was the best way to give children a good idea of these countries.

A more recent look at the book (from 2002) said it was a bit "stodgy." However, Anne Bullar showed a thoughtful side. She wrote that while some Greenlander traditions seemed "foolish" to her, people from Greenland might find some English customs "silly" too. This shows she was open to different ways of life. She was an early supporter of what we now call cultural relativism. This idea means understanding other cultures without judging them too quickly.

Every-day Wonders and Health Advice

Like her brother, Anne Bullar also cared about public health. Her third book was Every-day wonders; or, facts in physiology which all should know. This book taught important things about health. It talked about clean air, healthy food, good posture, exercise, bathing, and taking care of your teeth.

The book also said that disabilities like blindness or deafness do not mean someone is less intelligent. She used Laura Bridgman, a famous deafblind woman, as an example. Anne Bullar also promoted helpful tools like sign language and the manual alphabet.

England before the Norman Conquest

Her fourth book was a history book called England before the Norman Conquest. It also received good reviews. One person said it was "comprehensive and well-compiled." They thought the excellent descriptions made learning history easier for young readers. Another reviewer said it was "well adapted for the instruction of the young."

A Sunday Book for the Young

A Sunday book for the young was her only book with a religious theme. It was written to help young readers understand old customs from the Bible. People thought it was a "very pretty little book" and would be a "favourite with children."

Later Works and Understanding Children

Her second book about how the body works was published after she died. It was a new version of Every-day wonders. In this book, she explained how amazing the human body is. She also connected these "every-day wonders" to God's design.

Anne Bullar's books are good examples of early writing specifically for young people. She understood how children learn and think. She often used comparisons that children could easily understand. For example, she compared the body's nervous system to an electric telegraph. This helped explain how the body works in a simple way, even in a children's book.

Personal Life

During the 1840s, Anne Bullar helped raise money for a new hospital. It was called the Royal South Hants Hospital. She passed away on June 29, 1856, when she was 43 years old. She was buried at St Nicolas's Anglican Church in North Stoneham.

Selected Works

Books

Six books are known to be written by Anne Bullar. Only one was published under her own name while she was alive. After her death, her publisher listed them under her name. We don't know if she drew the pictures herself or if an illustrator did them.

• 1837: Elements of Practical Knowledge or The Young Inquirer Answered. London, John van Voorst.
• 1844: Domestic Scenes in Greenland and Iceland.[1] London, John van Voorst.
• 1850: Every-day wonders; or, facts in physiology which all should know.[2] London, John van Voorst.
• 1851: England before the Norman Conquest. London, John van Voorst.
• 1855: A Sunday book for the young; or, habits of patriarchal times in the East.[3] London, John van Voorst.
• 1862: Every-day wonders of bodily life, essential to be known for health and comfort.[4] London, Jarrold and Sons. Published after her death.