In case you ever wondered…How do I get so many books to read on my TBR – to be read – pile?!?!
I found some fun facts researching this book! I found a news article from 2016 The Virginian Pilot that speaks of the inspiration behind the book.
Albert E. Hodgson (1881-1960) was born in Norfolk on Chapel Street near St. Mary’s Catholic Church. His father, Herbert E. Hodgson, was from Manchester, England and owned a small jewelry store on Church Street.
On a trip to Washington, D. C. with his mother, Medora Hodgson, little Albert, only 6 years old and with long golden blond curls, visited his aunt, Frances H. Burnett, for the first time. It was there, in his fancy clothes that his mother made, and that he modeled, which give Frances Burnett the inspiration to write this beloved novel. His clothes became a symbol of upper middle class boys in America, a fad that lasted for many years.
Albert E. Hodgson passed away at the age of 78. He had been an expert on building and repairing organs in local churches and theaters in our area. However, when he died on April 3, 1960, nothing was mentioned in his obituary about him being the model and inspiration for “Little Lord Fauntleroy.”
In 1888, after discovering her novel had been plagiarized for the stage, Burnett successfully sued and then wrote her own theatrical adaptation of Little Lord Fauntleroy. It opened May 14, 1888, at Terry’s Theater in London, and was presented in the English provinces, France, Boston and New York City.
The Broadway production of Burnett’s play opened December 10, 1888, at the Broadway Theater, New York City. Playing Little Lord Fauntleroy was one Elsie Leslie.
Elsie Leslie (August 14, 1881 – October 31, 1966) was an American actress. She was America’s first child star and the highest paid and most popular child actress of her era.
Leslie was known as a wonderful child. She carried on correspondence with her friends from her acting days until her death. Photographs of Leslie, parts of her diary, along with letters and cards from such luminaries as Mark Twain, Helen Keller, Edwin Booth, William Gillette, Elliot Roosevelt and Joseph Jefferson, are recorded in Trustable & Preshus Friends.
So NOW I must retain a copy of this book and read it!
As for my current read, I believe I do like this better than The Secret Garden so far. I am reading it in small amounts with my morning coffee to enjoy the adventure of it all.
So one more book to my want to read list and still more of this book to enjoy. Luxury.
Peace.
