Eleanor Farjeon (1881–1965) was a versatile and highly regarded English author who made significant contributions to children's literature, poetry, plays, biography, history, and satire. Born into a creative family, she was the sister of the thriller writer Joseph Jefferson Farjeon and the composer Harry Farjeon. Over her prolific career, she established herself as a major voice in twentieth-century literature, particularly celebrated for her imaginative and enduring works aimed at younger audiences.
Throughout her career, Farjeon collaborated with notable figures of her era, including the prominent illustrator Edward Ardizzone, who provided illustrations for several of her books. Her extensive writing also extended to personal correspondence, portions of which have been published posthumously, offering valuable insight into her literary life, creative process, and relationships.
Farjeon's dedication to her craft earned her numerous prestigious literary awards during her lifetime. Her enduring impact on the world of books is commemorated by the Eleanor Farjeon Award, an annual prize for children's literature established in her memory by the Children's Book Circle, a society of publishers. Her legacy continues to influence and inspire generations of children's writers and readers alike.
