The Wolves Of Willoughby Chase

This first novel in the classic Willoughby Chase series - now consisting of ten titles - was originally published in l962.1832 - a period of English History that never happened. Good King James III is on the throne and the country is ravaged by wolves which have migrated through the newly-opened Channel Tunnel. When Sylvia and Bonnie (both orphans) fall into the hands of evil Miss Slighcarp, they must use all their wits to escape unscathed - for the governess is more cruel and merciless than the wolves that surround the great house of Willoughby Chase.

“"A writer of wild humour." Oxford Companion to Children's Literature From the Paperback edition.”

A wild and evocative fantasy, stylishly told, with a tremendous romantic appeal Observer
Altogether an invigorating book, in whihc the wit and nonsense make such a sparkling fizz together that it is hard to tell one from the other Times Literary Supplement
One genuine small masterpiece. Almost a copy-book lesson in those virtues that a classic children's book must possess Time Magazine
Joan Aiken is a marvel -- Philip Pullman Guardian

Joan Aiken was born in Sussex in 1924. She was the daughter of the American poet, Conrad Aiken; her sister, Jane Aiken Hodge, is also a novelist. Before joining the 'family business' herself, Joan had a variety of jobs, including working for the BBC, the United Nations Information Centre and then as features editor for a short story magazine. Her first children's novel, The Kingdom of the Cave, was published in 1960.Joan Aiken wrote over a hundred books for young readers and adults and is recognized as one of the classic authors of the twentieth century. Amanda Craig, writing in The Times, said, 'She was a consummate story-teller, one that each generation discovers anew.' Her best-known books are those in the James III saga, of which The Wolves of Willoughby Chase was the first title, published in 1962 and awarded the Lewis Carroll prize. Both that and Black Hearts in Battersea have been filmed. Her books are internationally acclaimed and she received the Edgar Allan Poe Award in the United States as well as the Guardian Award for Fiction in this country for The Whispering Mountain.Joan Aiken was decorated with an MBE for her services to children's books. She died in 2004.

"The ship on which your mamma and papa set sail has been sunk off the coast of Spain. You are an orphan, Miss Green, like your cousin, and from now on it is I who have sole say in your affairs. I am your guardian." Even the wolves that surround the great house of Willoughby Chase are not as cruel and merciless as the evil Miss Slighcarp. Bonnie and Slyvia must use all their wits to survive. The first title in the now classic Willoughby Chase saga is set in 1832 in a period of English history that never happened. King James III is on the throne and a newly opened Channel Tunnel gives access to ravaging wolves... "One genuine small masterpiece." Time Magazine

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