For award-winning, internationally-acclaimed author Rosemary Sutcliff (1920-92). By Anthony Lawton: godson, cousin & literary executor. Rosemary Sutcliff wrote historical fiction, children's literature and books, films, TV & radio, including The Eagle of the Ninth, Sword at Sunset, Song for a Dark Queen, The Mark of the Horse Lord, The Silver Branch, The Lantern Bearers, Dawn Wind, Blue Remembered Hills.
Author: Anthony Lawton
Chair, Sussex Dolphin, family company which looks after the work of eminent children’s & historical fiction author Rosemary Sutcliff (1920-92). Formerly CEO, chair & trustee of various charity, cultural & educational enterprises in UK. Sometimes a consultant.
International Children’s Book Day today, is suitable to celebrate Rosemary Sutcliff as well as Hans Christian Andersen whose birthday it is. This year the international sponsor, Spain, chose the theme ‘Un libro te espera, búscalo!’ which means ‘A book is waiting for you, find it!’. It seems like most people in the UK did not find the day, let alone the waiting book, if the lack of public mention here is an indicator. (Also, for all who share my taste in music, it is the birthday of Emmylou Harris.)
A writer of children’s books and historical fiction, Rosemary Sutcliff was the UK nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1968 and in 1974, when she was ‘highly commended’ internationally. Hans Christian Andersen is celebrated today by a ‘Google doodle’ on the 205th anniversary of the Danish author ‘s birth. I wonder, could I get Google to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Rosemary Sutcliff’s birth on December 14th this year?
The classic BBC radio version of the classic children’s book and historical novel by Rosemary Sutcliff was broadcast in 1957 on Children’s Hour on the Home Service (now Radio 4). Adapted by Felix Felton, it was advertised as ‘for older children’. Marius Goring played Marcus and Esca was played by Martin Starkie. ‘Pines of the Appian Way’ was part of the soundtrack. David Davis was the producer and the transmissions were:Read More »
In 2009 , The Daily Mail newspaper spelt Rosemary Sutcliff wrong – Sutcliffe (sic) with an E – even as they praised a book trail for children in the North East of England, which the said “teems with literary inspiration”. They join The Times, The Morning Star and OUP in mis-spelling Rosemary Sutcliff (sic)!
Rosemary Sutcliff’s The Eagle of the Ninth, published in 1954 only four years into her forty-year writing career, was one of Rosemary Sutcliff’s favourite historical novels. It is now being made lovingly into a film by producer Duncan Kenworthy, director Kevin Macdonald and writer Jeremy Brock, with Channing Tatum as Marcus, and Jamie Bell as his slave Esca.
“I rather wish it weren’t (a favourite) because it is quite early. I think and hope I have written better since. But it is my best beloved. Part of me was Marcus, and part was in love with him”.
International Children’s Book Day today, is suitable to celebrate Rosemary Sutcliff as well as Hans Christian Andersen whose birthday it is. This year the international sponsor, Spain, chose the theme ‘Un libro te espera, búscalo!’ which means ‘A book is waiting for you, find it!’. It seems like most people in the UK did not find the day, let alone the waiting book, if the lack of public mention here is an indicator. (Also, for all who share my taste in music, it is the birthday of Emmylou Harris.)
ROSEMARY SUTCLIFF (1920-92) 