The Golden Scarecrow (ePub)

Sir Hugh Seymour Walpole (1884-1941) was a prolific English novelist and short story writer, who gained substantial literary acclaim during the early to mid-20th century. Born in New Zealand while his father worked as an Anglican clergyman, Walpole later went to England for his education. He graduated from King's College, Cambridge, and moved into writing as his profession. His narrative skills and keen psychological insights are well illustrated in 'The Golden Scarecrow' (1915), which delicately depicts the inner worlds of nine young children. This book mirrors Walpole's interest in the complexities of childhood, a theme that recurs throughout his career. His writing style often blended naturalism with a gothic undertone, as seen in his beloved 'Herries Chronicle,' a series that cemented his reputation as a master of the family saga genre. Walpole's work was influenced by the likes of Charles Dickens and Henry James; his stories are characterized by vivid characterization and a deep empathy for human vulnerability. He was also noted for his supernatural fiction, especially 'The Green Mirror' and 'The Dark Forest.' Walpole was knighted in 1937 for his services to literature. Despite his fame waning posthumously, Walpole left an indelible mark on early 20th-century English literature with his extensive oeuvre and distinctive literary voice.