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*NEW* I've started scanning pdf copies of the Malvern books, and they are available for download! (see below)
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 (44 books I can find online), 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!
Downloads:
Ann Lawrence of Old New York. 1947. Julian Messner, Inc., New York. (20MB)
romance set in New York in 1811
Behold Your Queen! 1951. Longmans, Green & Co., New York. (22.2MB)
the story of Queen Esther
Curtain's at Eight. 1957. McRae Smith Company, Philadelphia. (19MB)
a story set in the late Victorian theater
Dear Wife. 1953. Longmans, Green & Co., New York. (23.3MB)
a story of a family during the American Revolution
The Foreigner. 1954. Longmans, Green & Co., New York. (20.6MB)
the biblical story of Ruth
Heart's Conquest. 1962. McRae Smith Company, Philadelphia. (20MB)
a novel set in medieval England around the Battle of Hastings and William the Conquerer
Jonica's Island. 1945. Julian Messner, Inc., New York. (23MB)
novel set in 1660s New Amsterdam (Manhattan)
Mamzelle. 1955. McRae Smith Company, Philadelphia. (17.5MB)
a romance for teen-age girls set in the days of Dolly Madison
My Lady, My Love. 1957. McRae Smith Company, Philadelphia. (19MB)
the story of Isabella of Valois
Patriot's Daughter. 1960. McRae Smith Company, Philadelphia. (20MB)
the story of Anastasia Lafayette
The Queen's Lady. 1963. McRae Smith Company, Philadelphia. (15MB)
a novel set in the court of Richard III & his unfortunate Queen Anne
Rhoda of Cyprus. 1958. McRae Smith Company, Philadelphia. (15MB)
a story of the early Christians in Israel
Rogues and Vagabonds. 1959. McRae Smith Company, Philadelphia. (16MB)
a novel about the first acting troupe to play in America in the 1700s
Saul's Daughter. 1956. Longmans, Green & Co., New York. (23MB)
a novel about David and Michal
The Six Wives of Henry VIII. 1972. Vanguard Press, Inc., New York. (14.6MB)
a brief biography of all six wives
The Secret Sign. 1961. Abelard-Schuman, New York. (16MB)
a story of the early Christians in Rome
Stephanie. 1956. McRae Smith Company, Philadelphia. (17.6MB)
a novel about Napoleon's adopted daughter
Tamar. 1952. Longmans, Green & Co., New York. (19.4MB)
a novel set during the time of Jesus's ministry
Other Books by Gladys Malvern (including some picture books for younger readers):
- According to Thomas. 1947. New York, R.M. McBride & Co.
- Blithe genius; the story of Rossini. 1959. New York, Longmans, Green.
- Brownie: the little bear who liked people. 1939. Springfield, Mass., McLoughlin Bros.
- Curtain going up! the story of Katharine Cornell. 1946. New York, Julian Messner.
- Dancing girl. 1959. Philadelphia, Macrae Smith.
- Dancing star: the story of Anna Pavlova. 1967. New York, J. Messner.
- Eric's girls. 1949. New York, J. Messner
- Gloria, ballet dancer. 1947. New York, Messner.
- Good troupers all: the story of Joseph Jefferson. 1945 Philadelphia, Macrae Smith Co.
- Hollywood star. 1953. New York, J. Messner.
- If love comes. 1933. Book 8vo. London,
- Kin. 1931 New York, Dodd, Mead.
- Land of surprise! 1938. Springfield, Mass., McLoughlin Bros.
- Love comes late. 1934, New York, Greenberg.
- Meg's Fortune.
- On golden wings; the story of Giuseppe Verdi. 1960. Philadelphia, Macrae Smith
- Prima ballerina. 1951. New York, Messner.
- Rusty: the pup who wanted wings. 1939. Springfield, Mass., McLoughlin Brothers.
- So great a love. 1962. Philadelphia, Macrae Smith Co.
- The great Garcias. 1958. New York, Longmans, Green.
- The land of look-and-see. 1940. Springfield, Mass., McLoughlin Bros.
- The world of Lady Jane Grey. 1964. New York, Vanguard Press.
- There's always forever. 1957. New York, Longmans, Green.
- Valiant Minstrel, the story of Sir Harry Lauder
- Wilderness island. 1961. Philadelphia, Macrae Smith.
- Your kind indulgence, a romance of the theatre in old New York. 1948. New York, J. Messner
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