Henry Handel Richardson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Handel Richardson
|
|
|---|---|
Henry Handel/Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson in 1945, a year before her death
|
|
| Born | Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson 3 January 1870 East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | 20 March 1946 (aged 76) Hastings, East Sussex, England |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Years active | 1895-1940 |
| Notable works | The Fortunes of Richard Mahony |
Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson (3 January 1870 – 20 March 1946) was an Australian author. She is known by her pen name, Henry Handel Richardson.
Contents
Life of Henry Handel Richardson
Ethel Florence Richardson was born in East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Her family was once wealthy but later faced financial difficulties. She was the older daughter of Walter Lindesay Richardson and Mary Bailey.
The Richardson family moved to different towns in Victoria during Ethel's childhood. Their home in Chiltern, called "Lake View," is now owned by the National Trust. Visitors can explore it.
Early Education and Writing
In 1883, Richardson became a boarding student at Presbyterian Ladies' College (PLC) in Melbourne. She attended from age 13 to 17. Her experiences there inspired her novel The Getting of Wisdom. This book is a coming-of-age story, meaning it's about a young person growing up and learning about life.
At PLC, Richardson became skilled at mixing real facts with made-up stories. She used this talent well in her novels. She was very good at arts and music.
Studies in Europe
In 1888, her mother took the family to Europe. This allowed Richardson to continue her music studies at the Leipzig Conservatorium. Her first novel, Maurice Guest, is set in Leipzig.
In 1894, Richardson married John George Robertson in Munich. They had met in Leipzig. He studied German literature and later taught at the University of Strasburg. Richardson became the ladies' tennis champion there.
Life in London and Research
In 1903, the couple moved to London. Robertson became a professor of German at University College, London. Richardson returned to Australia in 1912 to research her family history. This research was for her famous book, The Fortunes of Richard Mahony. After this trip, she stayed in England for the rest of her life.
Richardson and her sister Lillian supported the movement for women's right to vote. After her husband's death, she claimed to communicate with him daily.
Famous Novels and Inspirations
The Fortunes of Richard Mahony is Richardson's most famous work. It is a trilogy, meaning it's a series of three novels. The story is about an Australian doctor and businessman and how his family is affected by his struggles. The book was inspired by Richardson's own family experiences. The main characters were loosely based on her parents.
Richardson also wrote a book of short stories and an autobiography. Her autobiography helps readers understand the settings of her novels.
Other Interests and Legacy
Manning Clark, a historian, noted Richardson's excitement about Don Bradman's cricket skills in 1930. She was very proud of his achievements.
Richardson was the godmother to Humphrey, the son of singer Sophie Wyss. His godfather was the famous composer Benjamin Britten.
Richardson passed away from cancer on 20 March 1946 in Hastings, East Sussex, England. Her ashes were scattered at sea with her husband's, as she wished.
Iris Murdoch, another well-known writer, was her second cousin twice removed.
Family Connections
Ethel's younger sister, Lillian Richardson, later married A. S. Neill. She helped to start and run the Summerhill School.
Honours and Recognition
Many places and awards have been named after Henry Handel Richardson:
- The Canberra suburb of Richardson was named after her in 1975.
- In the same year, Australia Post honored her with a postage stamp featuring her portrait.
- One of the houses at Abbotsleigh School for Girls in Sydney is named after Richardson.
- Richardson Hall, a student residence at Monash University's Clayton campus, is also named in her honor.
List of Works
Novels
- Maurice Guest (1908)
- The Getting of Wisdom (1910)
- Australia Felix (1917)
- The Way Home (1925)
- Ultima Thule (1929) (This book won the Australian Literature Society Gold Medal in 1929.)
- The Fortunes of Richard Mahony (1930)
- This book combines the novels: Australia Felix, The Way Home, and Ultima Thule.
- The Young Cosima (1939)
Short Story Collections
- Two Studies (1931) (Includes "Mary Christina" and "Life and Death of Peterle Luthe").
- The End of a Childhood and other short stories (1934). This collection has 15 short stories, including those from "Two Studies".
- The Adventures of Cuffy Mahony (1979)
- The End of a Childhood: The Complete Stories of Henry Handel Richardson (1992), edited by Carol Franklin
- And Women Must Weep (1931)
Memoir
- Myself When Young (1948)
Translations
- (As Robertson, Ethel F. L.) Siren Voices (1896). This was translated from the Norwegian book Niels Lyhne by Jens Peter Jacobsen.
- (Not Credited) Siren Voices (1896). Also from Niels Lyhne by Jens Peter Jacobsen.
Film Adaptations
The Getting of Wisdom was made into a movie in 1977. It was directed by Bruce Beresford. The screenplay was written by Eleanor Witcombe. The film starred Susannah Fowle as "Laura Rambotham." Other actors included Julia Blake, Terence Donovan, and Kerry Armstrong. The movie followed the book very closely.
Maurice Guest was loosely adapted for the screen in the movie Rhapsody (1954). This film starred Elizabeth Taylor. The story's setting was changed to Switzerland instead of Germany.
Images for kids
-
Henry Handel/Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson in 1945, a year before her death
See also
In Spanish: Henry Handel Richardson para niños
