Frances Hodgson Burnett
'The author of Little Lord Fauntleroy was the J.K. Rowling of her time.' - The Economist.Little Lord Fauntleroy is a delightful story by Frances Hodgson Burnett, published in 1886. It follows the journey of Cedric Errol, a kind-hearted American boy who lives in New York with his loving widowed mother. Their tranquil life is disrupted when they learn that Cedric is the heir to an English earldom and that his grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt, wishes Cedric to come to England so he can teach him the ways of aristocracy.The cantankerous earl is taken with Cedric’s appearance and intelligence and is charmed by his innocence and kindness. Gradually Cedric’s unwavering goodness and generosity soften his grandfather. Themes of class and wealth, innocence and kindness, and the contrast between Cedric’s humble American upbringing and the grandeur of his aristocratic British heritage interweave the many plot twists. Little Lord Fauntleroy is both heart-warming and gripping.Little Lord Fauntleroy was Burnett’s first major success. It even influenced fashion, making the 'Fauntleroy suit' a popular style for young boys at the time.Frances Hodgson Burnett was a British-American novelist and playwright, born on November 24, 1849, in Manchester, England. She is best remembered for her children’s novels, including Little Lord Fauntleroy, A Little Princess, and The Secret Garden. Burnett moved with her family to the United States in 1865 and began her writing career to support them. Her works are celebrated for their vivid characters, emotional depth, and exploration of themes like resilience and kindness.
