I started reading Richmal Crompton’s novels because I loved her William series and stumbled across Family Roundabout in Hay-on-Wye I started reading E.M. Milne, and these other two weren’t very dissimilar.

I’ve written before about discovering A.A. I would have unhesitatingly rattled those off in 2002, because they were the three authors I had discovered for myself in my first ventures beyond obvious, in-print choices.

The collection is rounded up by personal items which notably includes Richmal Crompton’s desk, chair and typewriter, but artefacts such as spectacles.Īll this gives a full and complete portrait of a woman’s life and career.When I’m asked who my favourite authors are, I often find myself immediately giving the answers I would have given ten years ago or more: A.A. 2010 related to the author or her creations.įurther, the Richmal Crompton Collection also holds the author’s published works, including adult fiction and all Just William stories in various publications and translations as well as Just William memorabilia including games, puzzles and other artefacts. The collection also holds correspondence with the publishers and fans, as well as many press cuttings from the 1950s to ca. Her professional life as a writer, is documented through holdings of idea jottings for her stories, many finished and draft scripts for the book publications, radio plays which were transmitted from 1946, film and TV adaptations. Richmal Crompton first wrote Just William stories for ‘Happy Mag’ this developed into 39 books in addition to that she published 49 books for adults.

This is complemented by a very eclectic private library of the author, of which many books are inscribed with her name and annotated by her. It comprises personal records such as correspondence and other documents relating to the private life of Richmal Crompton, including an extensive family photographic collection going back to the late 1800s. Richmal Crompton (1890 - 1969) is best known for the Just William stories which were written between 1919 – 1969. Deposited with the Archives and Special Collections by the author’s heirs and executors in 2008, this is one of the most comprehensive archive collections of an author’s life and work.