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Where to begin?
I discovered the children's writer Gladys Malvern as an adolescent, and absolutely loved her books. I had a passion for historical fiction at that time, and her novels ranged from Queen Esther to the 19th century - I suspect she has a novel set in every major country, in every major time-period. Malvern was amazingly popular and prolific, and yet her books have fallen out of print. Here's how lost she is: there isn't any mention of her in Wikipedia!
I find this ridiculous (but then, I do acknowledge that my tastes in literature run towards the uncomplicated; and that's a rather unpopular "mode" at present).
I recently stumbled across 3 of her books in an abandoned school library, snatched them up, and re-read them. They were much as I recalled, although a little more simplistic than I remember... but still, well-written, interesting, and thoroughly enjoyable. They are perfect for kids, especially girls and homeschoolers seeking historical fiction.
As an out-of-print writer, her books are currently selling for ridiculous prices ($100-200 on certain titles), so it is my goal to do what I can to get her works republished. I have several tasks to fulfill as a result:
- Collect copies of as many of the books as possible. In any format at all - crumbling, photocopied, electronic. PRESERVE THE WORDS.
- Assemble a thorough bibliography of the titles, editions, reprints, etc.
- Find out how to lobby publishers to reprint her books. I have no CLUE on how to do this.
I need help; if any Malvern fans come across this site and have anything to contribute (photocopies, biographical information, etc.), I will be so grateful.
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