Brother Dusty-Feet facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Rosemary Sutcliff |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | C. Walter Hodges |
| Cover artist | William Stobbs |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Publisher | OUP |
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Publication date
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1952 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 248 pp |
| ISBN | 0-19-271444-9 |
Brother Dusty-Feet is an exciting historical novel for young people. It was written by Rosemary Sutcliff and first came out in 1952.
The story takes place in England during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. This was a period of great change and adventure. It is the fourth book written by Rosemary Sutcliff.
Contents
What is Brother Dusty-Feet about?
The story follows an eleven-year-old orphan named Hugh Copplestone. He lives with his Aunt Alison, who is not very kind to him. She doesn't like looking after Hugh or his dog, Argos. One day, after Hugh talks back to her, Aunt Alison threatens to kill Argos.
Hugh knows he must act fast. He plans to run away to Oxford and become a scholar. This was his father's dream for him. He hopes to study and learn, just like his father wanted.
Hugh Joins the Players
Hugh doesn't get far before he meets a group of strolling players. These were actors who traveled from town to town. Their leader, Tobias Pennifeather, soon learns Hugh's story. Tobias offers Hugh a place with the group. This way, Hugh will be safe and can earn a living.
Hugh first helps with the actors' props. Soon, he starts acting in the plays himself. Back then, boys often played female parts. The group's boy actor, Nicky Bodkyn, was getting too old for these roles.
Hugh becomes good friends with Jonathan Whyteleafe. Jonathan writes the plays and is also a great tumbler. He is very smart, even though he didn't have much schooling. Jonathan sometimes wishes he could write more serious plays. But he is proud to be the best tumbler in the South of England.
Adventures on the Road
The acting group has many adventures as they travel across England. One time, they are arrested for being vagabonds. This meant they were traveling without a special permit. Luckily, Sir Walter Raleigh helps them. He pretends they are secret agents for Sir Francis Walsingham. This gets them out of trouble.
Another time, they accidentally meet Hugh's aunt and uncle. To escape, Hugh quickly switches clothes with Nicky. Another actor, Jasper Nye, pretends to be sick with the "sweating-sickness." This was a serious illness at the time.
At a fair, Hugh helps a friendly "Quack doctor" (a traveling doctor). He warns him that the law is coming. Later, around a campfire, Hugh is given "Seisin of the Road." This is a special honor from a Tom O'Bedlam, a kind of wandering person. It means he is truly accepted by the traveling folk.
A New Home
Eventually, Hugh meets Mr. Anthony Heritage. He was a friend of Hugh's father. Mr. Heritage has a son Hugh's age and a younger daughter. He offers to take Hugh in and help him become a scholar at Oxford. Hugh would be a "servitor" to Mr. Heritage's son. This means he would help the son in exchange for his own education.
At first, Hugh doesn't want to leave the players. But Jonathan talks to him. He explains that a traveling actor's life is uncertain. A good education, however, offers many advantages. Jonathan clearly cares deeply for Hugh. Hugh understands and decides to accept the offer. The story ends with Hugh happily settling into his new family.
Radio 4 Adaptation
Brother Dusty-Feet was made into a three-part radio play. It was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February and March 2012. The actors included:
- Josef Lindsay as Hugh
- Jane Whittenshaw as Aunt Alison
- Allan Corduner as Tobias Pennyfeather
- Narrated by Adjoa Andoh
