Beatrix Potter: at home in the Lake District

by Susan Denyer

As an artist and story-teller Beatrix Potter is world-famous. She also worked to protect some of the finest examples of the Lake District's landscapes and created romantic interiors and a beautiful garden at Hill Top, the farmhouse she bought at Near Sawrey in 1905. Her picturesque house and the breathtaking scenery inspired many of Beatrix's stories and drawings, and this book looks at the intimate connection between the Lake District and her work. With numerous extracts from her letters and diaries, this illustrated book celebrates Potter's achievements in the Lake District and her major gifts to the National Trust.

Genres: Biography, British Literature

Hardcover

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really quite surprised that I enjoyed this book so much, since I hadn't purchased it myself. My husband saw it when out shopping, and thought that I might like it. I couldn't figure out why he would think that, other than I do like biographies occasionally. It's not like I've ever read Beatrix Potter's childrens' books, studied her or even spoken about her. I started reading it to accepted his gift graciously and not hurt his feelings.
To my surprise, what an interesting story ... about an amazing woman, for whom her childrens' stories & drawing were, to her, only a pastime. She first did the drawings of animals come to life, along with the stories to send to her nieces & nephews by mail. How ironic that this is what she would be revered and remembered for.
Had she not been a woman, she likely would have been one of Britain's top botanists, but in her time, women could not achieve such a title. She took care of her parents, sketched for scientists, ran a farm ... the list goes on.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Marvellous book full of insight into Beatrix Potter's life you would not find elsewhere. The fact it is published in association with The National Trust makes it all the more insightful due to her relationship with them in her later life. Often we are familiarised with the author side of Beatrix Potter, but it was wonderful to learn more about her private life and I particularly enjoyed the quotes of things Beatrix actually said herself, as it gave a real insight into her personality. I now feel I know her. It was also fascinating to see how her surrounding furnishings were incorporated into her books illustrations. If you are a fan of Beatrix Potter I would highly recommend it as it is such a lovely book.

[Rose Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely book full of pictures of Hill Top Farm, which is now a National Trust property and is open to the public. A must for Beatrix Potter fans.