Edward Blishen
Encyclopedia
Edward Blishen was an English
author. He is perhaps best known for three books: A Cack-Handed War (1972), a story set in the backdrop of the Second World War, The God Beneath the Sea
(1970), a collaboration with Leon Garfield
that won the Carnegie Medal
and "Roaring Boys"(1955),an honest account of teaching in a London secondary modern school in the 1950s and a book still valuable to understand teaching in a "rough" part of a city.
His autobiography Sorry, Dad is supposed to be based on his time at Queen Elizabeth's, Barnet
.
He finished the concluding volume of his autobiography, Mind how you go, in 1996, just before his death; it was published posthumously by Constable in 1997.
He was a conscientious objector
although he came from a long line of soldier ancestors. His father had served in the First World War, from which he returned wounded, suffering from shell shock and silent about his experiences. 'He wasn't sympathetic to pacifists. He felt that if he had fought a war, then I ought to fight a war as well.' But Edward read some of the now-famous books revealing the horrors of the First World War, and realised 'I can't be somebody who does that to someone else'. Registering as a CO was an uncomfortable experience: 'Everybody was declaring themselves at one counter, and there was this other forlorn counter for you to declare you weren't going to join in. It felt as though you were separating yourself from the rest of the world.' http://www.ppu.org.uk/learn/infodocs/cos/st_co_wwtwo1.html
He was a presenter of the BBC Radio 4
programme A Good Read
.
In June 1995 Blishen was awarded an Honorary Degree from the Open University as Doctor of the University.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
author. He is perhaps best known for three books: A Cack-Handed War (1972), a story set in the backdrop of the Second World War, The God Beneath the Sea
The God Beneath the Sea
The God Beneath the Sea is a children's novel based on Greek mythology, written by Leon Garfield and Edward Blishen with illustrations by Charles Keeping. The God Beneath the Sea was awarded the 1970 Carnegie Medal, and was runner-up for the 1970 Kate Greenaway Medal...
(1970), a collaboration with Leon Garfield
Leon Garfield
Leon Garfield was a British writer of fiction. He is best known for his historical novels for children, though he also wrote for adults...
that won the Carnegie Medal
Carnegie Medal
The Carnegie Medal is a literary award established in 1936 in honour of Scottish philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and given annually to an outstanding book for children and young adults. It is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals...
and "Roaring Boys"(1955),an honest account of teaching in a London secondary modern school in the 1950s and a book still valuable to understand teaching in a "rough" part of a city.
His autobiography Sorry, Dad is supposed to be based on his time at Queen Elizabeth's, Barnet
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School for Boys
Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet is a boys' grammar school in Barnet, North London, which was founded in 1573 by Edward Underne, Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester and others, in the name of Queen Elizabeth I..-Admissions:...
.
He finished the concluding volume of his autobiography, Mind how you go, in 1996, just before his death; it was published posthumously by Constable in 1997.
He was a conscientious objector
Conscientious objector
A conscientious objector is an "individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service" on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, and/or religion....
although he came from a long line of soldier ancestors. His father had served in the First World War, from which he returned wounded, suffering from shell shock and silent about his experiences. 'He wasn't sympathetic to pacifists. He felt that if he had fought a war, then I ought to fight a war as well.' But Edward read some of the now-famous books revealing the horrors of the First World War, and realised 'I can't be somebody who does that to someone else'. Registering as a CO was an uncomfortable experience: 'Everybody was declaring themselves at one counter, and there was this other forlorn counter for you to declare you weren't going to join in. It felt as though you were separating yourself from the rest of the world.' http://www.ppu.org.uk/learn/infodocs/cos/st_co_wwtwo1.html
He was a presenter of the BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4 is a British domestic radio station, operated and owned by the BBC, that broadcasts a wide variety of spoken-word programmes, including news, drama, comedy, science and history. It replaced the BBC Home Service in 1967. The station controller is currently Gwyneth Williams, and the...
programme A Good Read
A Good Read
A Good Read is one of BBC Radio 4's longest running programmes where two guests join the main presenter to choose and discuss their favourite book. Sue MacGregor stepped down in 2010 as the programme's longest serving presenter...
.
In June 1995 Blishen was awarded an Honorary Degree from the Open University as Doctor of the University.
External links
- Obituary http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/obituary--edward-blishen-1314845.html The Independent.