Friday, 11 April 2014

Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965)



Eleanor Farjeon as a child

The power of words to transport us to new places and through new experiences surrounded Eleanor Farjeon from the moment of her birth.  Her father Benjamin Farjeon and two younger brothers Joseph and Herbert were authors and her older brother Harry a composer.

Because of ill health Eleanor was home schooled and explored the magic of words in the comfort of the family attic, where she spent her time with loved books writing down her thoughts and stories.

Eleanor Fargeon

In her autobiography, A Nursery in the Nineties (1935) she describes her childhood within a family where her words were encouraged, nurtured and most importantly read.

Eleanor never married surrounding herself with creative people she lived a life centered on the power of words to move, challenge and comfort.

Today we know Eleanor for the lyrics, Morning has Broken,  used both in Christian worship music and made famous by Cat Stevens.
Morning has broken Cath Stevens Album Cover
 
Eleanor Farjeon is a Woman of History.  Her collection of verse can be used to motivate our daughters and granddaughters to find their own creative voice, to write their own, poetry, stories, and music.

Here is a link to Eleanor's collection of poetry and verse Pan-worship: and other Poetry.  Eleanor published this collection in 1908 at the age of 24 and she dedicated it to her father.  

And to Martin Pippin in the Apple OrchardEleanor published this children's book in 1921 and dedicated it to her Friend V.K.H.

We hope that you take the time to read Eleanor Farjeon for yourself and to your children.

Grandma Snyder
©2013-2014 twosnydergirls

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