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Esther Forbes (1891–1967)

Autor(a) de Johnny Tremain: A Story of Boston in Revolt

19+ Works 10,556 Membros 95 Críticas

About the Author

Forbes was the author of six historical novels and four books of nonfiction for adults, as well as the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in history in 1942 for her adult biography, Paul Revere and the World He Lived In Paul Revere and the World He Lived In (1942). Yet Forbes's reputation is primarily mostrar mais as a children's writer, resting particularly on Johnny Tremain (1942), an offshoot of her research for the adult Paul Revere biography and considered by many the best example of historical fiction ever written for children. Johnny Tremain follows the story of a silversmith's apprentice as he stumbles into the American Revolution and gains insight into his own character. In writing about the life of an ordinary citizen of Boston at that time, Forbes wanted to show, in her words, "not merely what was done but why and how people felt." Originally intending to keep Johnny neutral during the Revolution, she changed her mind as a result of the advent of World War II, because she saw parallels between the two wars and wanted to show young readers those parallels. Although this may have resulted in some pushing of contemporary ideology onto a historical setting, most critics have praised the story's accuracy. It was and remains an important book for promoting the idea that young readers can grasp mature writing. Forbes's only other book for children, America's Paul Revere, summarizes that man's life. (Bowker Author Biography) mostrar menos

Obras por Esther Forbes

Associated Works

The Young Folks' Shelf of Books, Volume 09: Call of Adventure (1900) — Contribuidor — 152 exemplares
Johnny Tremain [1957 film] (1957) — Original book — 48 exemplares
The Best of Both Worlds: An Anthology of Stories for All Ages (1968) — Contribuidor — 25 exemplares
Gentle Like a Cyclone: Stories of Horses and Their Riders (1974) — Contribuidor — 17 exemplares
A Modern Galaxy: Short Stories — Contribuidor — 2 exemplares
The Liberty Story [1957 TV episode] (1957) — Original book — 2 exemplares

Etiquetado

Conhecimento Comum

Nome legal
Forbes, Esther Louise
Data de nascimento
1891-06-28
Data de falecimento
1967-08-12
Sexo
female
Nacionalidade
USA
Local de nascimento
Westborough, Massachusetts, USA
Local de falecimento
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Causa da morte
rheumatic heart disease
Locais de residência
New York, New York, USA
Weston, Massachusetts, USA
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Educação
Bancroft School
Bradford Academy
University of Wisconsin
Ocupações
historical novelist
children's book author
novelist
biographer
editor
journalist (mostrar todos 7)
short story writer
Relações
Adams, Samuel (great uncle)
Forbes, Harriette Merrifield (mother)
Organizações
American Antiquarian Society (1960)
Houghton Mifflin
Society of American Historians
Prémios e menções honrosas
Pulitzer Prize (History, 1943)
Newbery Medal (1944)
Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1949)

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Esther Forbes grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, was one of the first girls to attended the Bancroft School, and then went to Bradford Academy, a junior college in Bradford, Massachusetts. After graduating in 1912, she joined her older sisters Cornelia and Katherine in Madison, Wisconsin, where she took history classes at the University of Wisconsin. She also joined the editorial board of the Wisconsin Literary Magazine. She published her first short story in 1915. In 1919, she returned to Massachusetts and began working for the editorial department of the Houghton Mifflin Company in Boston. From 1924-1926. she wrote feature articles for the Boston Evening Transcript. In 1926, she married Albert L. Hoskins, Jr., an attorney, and moved with him to New York City. Esther's first novel, O Genteel Lady! was published in 1926 and selected for the Book of the Month Club. A Mirror for Witches was published two years later. In 1933, Esther and her husband divorced, and although she retained her married name, she continued to write under her birth name of Esther Forbes. She returned to Worcester and lived with her mother and unmarried siblings. Esther's mother Harriette Merrifield Forbes, was an historian who assisted her daughter in some of her research for her books. Esther published several further historical novels during this period, including Miss Marvel (1935) and The General's Lady (1938). Most of her books were set in New England from colonial times through the early years of the new republic. In a break from fiction, Esther wrote a biography of Paul Revere, still considered a definitive work by scholars, for which she received the Pulitzer Prize in History in 1943. It helped inspire what became her best-known work, the novel Johnny Tremain (1943), for which she received the Newbery Award in 1944. Esther was elected to membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and in 1960, became the first woman elected to the American Antiquarian Society. Her novel Rainbow on the Road (1955) was later turned into a Broadway musical under the title Come Summer (1969).

Membros

Críticas

Mom first read this book to me in school, and I remember being captivated by the story. Several years later, I was able to find a cassette recording of the story in our local library, and enjoyed going through it again. Then just recently, I remembered it had been a while since I read it, and decided to enjoy it again.

At this point, I’m not sure how many times I’ve heard or read the story—Mom has read it aloud at least once since she first read it to me. But no matter how many times I’ve read it, it’s managed to retain its place as one of my top favorite Revolutionary War novels.

This book has depth, intensity, and rich, relatable characters. You feel like you’re right there, trying to smuggle messages under the British soldiers’ noses, or riding free on Goblin’s back after winning the right to ride him. This book brings to life the trials and hopes of apprentices, as well as giving a glimpse into the world of the wealthy at the time. There’s history, a dash of romance, family, and deep friendship…this book has it all, and Forbes does an excellent job pulling it all together into one magnificent, unforgettable tale.

If you enjoy reading about American history but haven’t read this book yet, I’d highly recommend you pick this up. It’s a gem.
… (mais)
 
Assinalado
EstherFilbrun | 82 outras críticas | Feb 28, 2024 |
Fourteen-year-old Johnny Tremain, an apprentice silversmith with a bright future ahead of him, injures his hand in a tragic accident, forcing him to look for other work. In his new job as a horse-boy, riding for the patriotic newspaper The Boston Observer and as a messenger for the Sons of Liberty, he encounters John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Dr. Joseph Warren.

Soon Johnny is involved in the pivotal events of the American Revolution, from the Boston Tea Party to the first shots fired at Lexington.… (mais)
 
Assinalado
PlumfieldCH | 82 outras críticas | Dec 26, 2023 |
I read this book because I couldn't remember it from reading it in junior high. I will be reading this one to my boys!
 
Assinalado
CarolHicksCase | 82 outras críticas | Mar 12, 2023 |
Good Revolutionary War novel.
 
Assinalado
kslade | 82 outras críticas | Dec 8, 2022 |

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Estatísticas

Obras
19
Also by
8
Membros
10,556
Popularidade
#2,255
Avaliação
3.8
Críticas
95
ISBN
107
Línguas
2

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