I must admit that I didn't know very much at all about Beatrix Potter before I watched the film with Renee Zellweger, Miss Potter. I never read any of her books as a child and they're books which passed my own children by too. The film piqued my interest in Beatrix Potter though so when I saw this book I put it straight on my Wish List.
The book tells the story of Beatrix Potter from her early years in Victorian London through to her later years where she lived out her life amongst the beautiful scenery in the Lake District. What a full and interesting life she lead, I enjoyed reading about how her books came to be published, the scientific work she did with fungi, her first engagement and the happy marriage she had later in life, and her conservation work with the National Trust.
The illustrations include some of Beatrix Potter's own artwork as well as a sprinkling of family photographs.
I've read the book from cover to cover and I can see me dipping back into it from time to time. I don't keep many of the books I read but this one is definitely a keeper and I can thoroughly recommend it.
It must have been a fascinating read. I always think of Beatrix Potter as having been quite a ballsy woman in her time. X
ReplyDeleteShe was so interesting to read about, very Victorian in some ways and ahead of her time in others. A real go getter.
DeleteSounds really interesting, I have almost finished The food of love, I can't put it down, soon I will do a post and pass it on.
ReplyDeleteI'm really pleased that you're enjoying The Food of Love. Not all Amanda Prowse books are as good as others but I thought this was one of her best.
DeleteMy children all grew up on Beatrix Potter especially my daughter and I have kept the books for when a time comes if she has her own children. They were such lovely little stories.
ReplyDeleteMitzi
I may very well read Beatrix Potter's books now that I've read about her, I feel I've missed out on them now. I wish I'd discovered them with my own children.
DeleteMay be you'll get that opportunity if you become a grandparent. I didn't read Harry Potter until I was in my 50's, and now I'm going back and reading some of the Bronte's.
DeleteThat's a good idea, though I can't see grandchildren in my immediate future, I think I'll have some time to wait for that. I'm only just reading the Harry Potter books now. I read the first four with Daniel but he got to the age where he wanted to read them himself so I never read any further. I've started from book one again and I'm nearly at the end now, though I've already watched the films.
DeleteI thunk she had a fascinating life. I seem to remember her family disapproved of the man she wanted to marry.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen Miss Potter. You should put HillTop on your places to visit list, you'd love it.
Lisa x
I don't think her parents wanted her to marry anyone, her first romance ended in tragedy but she did find love again later in life and they sounded very well matched. You should watch Miss Potter if you get the chance, I've seen it a couple of times now. I'd love to visit Hill Top.
DeleteNice post and pictures. It's on my to read list. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely book, I'm sure you'll enjoy it when you get round to it. It's definitely one I shall keep which is quite unusual for me.
DeleteHi Jo, I'm just catching up. This book looks very nice, I'll have to see if we have it here. I remember having some tiny Beatrix Potter books when I was a little girl, I think they were more like board books, the cardboard kind for toddlers, but they had very pretty illustrations and I remember them well. I hope your kids got home safely last weekend and that everyone is enjoying time together at home.
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations shown in this book are wonderful, and it explains that many of them are actually places or scenes which are real. The picture of the mouse in this post is the landing and staircase at Hill Top. Everyone got home safely, thank you for asking. They arrived home at about 11.45pm on Friday night and we're all having a lovely time together.
DeleteThe photos look wonderful, I should think it's a very interesting book. 😊
ReplyDeleteIt's such a lovely book, even if you're just flicking through it there's some wonderful photos and illustrations.
DeleteI hadn't realised she married. Possibly because I muddle her with Jane Austin. Can't defend the confusion!
ReplyDeleteJane Austin is someone else I don't know much about. Beatrix Potter married later in life, it sounds like they were very happy together.
DeleteIt sounds a good book. I've seen a programme on tv about her life once but have yet to watch Miss Potter. She remains a fascinating lady with a lasting legacy in the Lake District. A huge benefit to locals and tourists alike. Cathy x
ReplyDeleteShe fitted so much into her life, a true inspiration. She was fascinated by the world around her, which was expressed in everything she did.
DeleteMy daughter still has drawings from Beatrix Potter books framed in her room. When we eventually take them down, I'll probably set them aside for her daughter (hopefully!). Oh, that last photo with Benjamin rabbit, on a leash no less, is so cute! I quite enjoy hearing about peoples lives in the past and when they are accompanying photos, so much the better.
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd discovered Beatrix Potter books when my children were young. She kept so many pets, many of them wild animals, it seems she was fascinated by nature. She led such an interesting life that it's no wonder she still attracts so much interest.
DeleteI watched the film too, havent read the book, but its nice to get to know the person behind some of these prominent characters. xcx
ReplyDeleteIt was the film which led me to want to know more about Beatrix Potter, she lived such an interesting life.
DeleteThis book looks really lovely. I've seen the film but to be honest I can't remember much of the story. I didn't read much of her work when I was growing up either.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely book, one I'll definitely dip into again so it's earned a place on my bookshelf.
DeleteWhat a wonderful book! I've seen several films of her life, a truly remarkable woman!
ReplyDeleteI just saw a follow by email slot on your blog, delighted!!! Now I shall get your posts via email....result!!!xxx
Miss Potter is the only film I've seen of her life but it sparked an interest and I wanted to know more. I've only recently added the follow by email gadget, I didn't know there was such a thing.
DeleteI too have that book & also the DVD Miss Potter & although I didn't read any of her books as a child, I purchased or borrowed for our kids, even buying a special one for our youngest who shares a name with one of her characters. I've definitely been a big fan throughout adult life & visited Hilltop some years back & loved both the garden & house. Well worth seeing. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read the books now that I've read about her life, I'd also like to visit Hill Top, it sounds fascinating.
DeleteI was interested to find out more after seeing the film too. We went to stay at the house where Miss Potter was filmed and visited her house, Hilltop too. I can't remember reading the books to any of my children when they were little but my daughter, Joanne has the whole collection and is reading them to Bonnie. I'll have to look out for the book it sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have stayed in the house were Miss Potter was filmed. I'd like to visit Hill Top now that I've read about Beatrix Potter and her time there. The book is really interesting, I can definitely recommend it.
DeleteSuch a lovely book, and yes ... definitely a keeper.
ReplyDeleteSome books are just made for dipping into at regular intervals.
All the best Jan
I don't keep many books but I really don't want to part with this one, it's something I know I'll go back to again.
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