The life and loves of E. Nesbit

The life and loves of E. Nesbit: Victorian iconoclast, children's author, and creator of The railway children.

Award-winning biographer Fitzsimons uncovers the little-known details of Nesbit's life, introducing readers to the Fabian Society cofounder and fabulous socialite who hosted legendary parties and had admirers by the dozen, including George Bernard Shaw.;Edith Nesbit is considered the first modern writer for children and the inventor of the children's adventure story. Fitzsimons uncovers the little-known details of her life, introducing readers to the Fabian Society cofounder and socialite who hosted legendary parties and had admirers by the dozen, including George Bernard Shaw. Through Nesbit's letters and archival research, we learn she was a prolific lecturer and writer on socialism, and incorporated these ideas into her writing, influencing a generation of children. -- adapted from jacket;Introduction -- The mummies of Bordeaux -- "Farewell the tranquil mind! Farewell, content!" -- "Dim light of funeral lamps" -- "A particularly and peculiarly masculine person" -- "More like a lover than a husband" -- "A committed if eccentric socialist" -- The summer of Shaw -- The mouse moves in -- "How was her fancy caught?" -- "A charming little socialist and literary household" -- "Dramatic entertainment at New-Cross" -- "The Medway, with the Psammead" -- "Isn't it a dear little place?" -- "My son; my little son, the house is very quiet" -- "Always surrounded by adoring young men" -- "Ernest, I've come to stay" -- I want the plain naked unashamed truth" -- "Votes for women? Votes for children! Votes for dogs!" -- "A curtain, thin as gossamer" -- "I am not hurt" -- "A handyman of the sea" -- "Time with his make-up box of lines and wrinkles" .