Cynthia Harnett facts for kids
Cynthia Harnett (born June 22, 1893 – died October 25, 1981) was an English writer and artist. She mostly wrote and drew pictures for children's books.
She is famous for her six historical novels. These books feature regular teenage characters who get involved in important historical events. Four of these stories are set in the 1400s. Cynthia Harnett was known for doing a lot of research for her books. This made her stories feel very real and brought history to life.
One of her most famous books is The Wool-Pack, published in 1951. For this book, she won the Carnegie Medal. This award is given to the best children's book by a British author each year. Another of her books, The Load of Unicorn (1959), was also highly praised for the Carnegie Medal.
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About Cynthia Harnett
Cynthia Harnett was born in London, England. She studied art at the Chelsea School of Art. She often drew the pictures for her own books. She also worked with another artist named George Vernon Stokes (1873–1954). They created many books together, especially about dogs and the countryside. Sometimes, they were both listed as authors.
Her Books
Cynthia Harnett wrote many books, but she is best known for her historical novels. These are stories set in the past that include real historical events and people.
Historical Novels
Cynthia Harnett wrote six main historical novels. She also illustrated the first five of them herself. These books were first published by Methuen.
- The Great House (1949): This story takes place in London and the countryside during the 1600s.
- The Wool-Pack (1951): Set in the Cotswolds in 1493, this book is about the wool trade.
- Ring Out Bow Bells! (1953): This book takes you back to London in 1415.
- Stars of Fortune (1956): This story is set in 1554.
- The Load of Unicorn (1959): This book is set in London in 1482.
- The Writing on the Hearth (1971): This story takes place in the 1430s and was illustrated by Gareth Floyd.
Some of these books had different titles when they were published in the United States:
- The Great House (1968)
- Nicholas and the Wool-Pack (1953)
- The Drawbridge Gate (1953)
- Stars of Fortune (1956)
- Caxton's Challenge (1960)
- The Writing on the Hearth (1973)
Other Books
Cynthia Harnett also wrote other books, some of which were non-fiction, meaning they shared facts and information.
- The Green Popinjay (1955)
- A Fifteenth-Century Wool Merchant (1962)
- Monasteries & Monks (1963): This book, illustrated by Edward Osmond, teaches about monasteries and the monks who lived in them.
Books with George Vernon Stokes
Cynthia Harnett worked with George Vernon Stokes on many books. Here are a few examples:
- In Praise of Dogs: An Anthology in Prose and Verse (1936)
- David's New World: The Making of a Sportsman (1937)
- Junk, the Puppy (1937)
- To Be A Farmer's Boy (1940)
- Getting to Know Dogs (1947)
