Enid Mary Blyton was born in East Dulwich, London in 1897. She is one of the most successful children's authors in the world with her stories being translated into over 90 languages.
Enid Blyton became an English teacher for 5 years and then married Hugh Pollock in 1924. They had two children ,Gillian and Imogen, but they divorced in 1941. She re-married in 1943 and even changed her children's name to prevent any contact with her former husband. She became afflicted with Alzheimer's and died in 1968, aged 71.
Since her death and the publication of her daughter Imogen's biography 'A Childhood at Green Hedges', there has been much speculation over her personal life. She has been depicted as emotionally unstable and even malicious. Her daughter Imogen has been quoted saying "The truth is Enid Blyton was arrogant, insecure, pretentious, very skilled at putting difficult or unpleasant things out of her mind, and without a trace of maternal instinct. As a child, I viewed her as a rather strict authority. As an adult I pitied her."
Other negative views of her novels have been voiced by critics as too old-fashioned, portraying unsuitable stereotypes regarding gender,race and class. Some of her publications have been altered to suit the modern readers and what is considered politically correct.
Despite these views Blyton's work still remains very popular and is considered some of 'the classic' children's tales. Personaly I grew up reading Enid Blyton books all the time, and they were some of my favourite stories of all time. She can be known for her 'Famous Five', 'Secret Seven' and 'Mallory Towers' series. Also her stories for younger children like 'The faraway tree'.
A documentary of her life was made by the BBC last year, with well-known actress Helena Bonham Carter playing Blyton.
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