Blanche McManus facts for kids

Street of Mosques, Tunis, 1908

Blanche McManus (1869–1935) was an American artist and writer. She was known for illustrating many books, including some she wrote herself. With her husband, Milburg Francisco Mansfield (also known as Francis Miltoun), she created a series of travel books. These books were special because they often talked about cars, which were a new and exciting way to travel back then!

About Blanche McManus

Blanche McManus was born in 1869 on a place called Talledega Plantation. This was in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. She passed away in Louisiana on June 13, 1935.

In 1909, Blanche and her two sisters inherited a historic house. It was called Hampton Hall and was located in Woodville, Mississippi. Blanche even painted murals on the walls in the parlor of this mansion.

Books by Blanche McManus

Blanche McManus was a very busy artist and writer. She illustrated many books for other authors. She also wrote and illustrated her own books. Sometimes, she only designed the covers for books.

Her Own Books

Blanche McManus wrote several books herself. These often included her own illustrations. Some of her notable works include:

• The True Mother Goose (1896)
• The Voyage of the Mayflower (1897)
• How the Dutch Came to Manhattan (1897)
• Told in the Twilight: Stories to Tell Children (1898)
• Bachelor Ballads (1898)
• The Quaker Colony (1899)
• The 'Sov'rane Herb' and the Smokers Year (1904)
• Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes: Children's Favorite Rhymes & Jingles (1912)

The "Our Little Cousin" Series

Blanche McManus illustrated and wrote several books in a popular series. These books were called the "Our Little Cousin" series. They taught young readers about different cultures and countries. Some examples include:

• Our Little English Cousin (1905)
• Our Little French Cousin (1905)
• Our Little Scotch Cousin (1906)
• Our Little Hindu Cousin (1907)
• Our Little Arabian Cousin (1907)
• Our Little Egyptian Cousin (1908)
• Our Little Belgian Cousin (1911)

Travel Books with Her Husband

Blanche McManus worked with her husband, Francis Miltoun, on many travel books. These books were special because they often included information about cars. Cars were a new and exciting way to explore the world back then. Some of their travel books include:

• Romantic Ireland (1904)
• The Automobilist Abroad (1907)
• In the Land of Mosques and Minerets (1908)
• The Spell of Algeria and Tunisia (1908)
• Italian Highways and Byways from a Motor Car (1909)
• The American Woman Abroad (1911)

Blanche McManus's work helped people learn about new places and enjoy stories. Her illustrations brought many books to life for readers of all ages.