Enid Mary Blyton was born in East Dulwich in 1897. She was a gifted child and learned to play the piano at a young age. She also enjoyed writing. After finishing her education Enid became a teacher, though she continued to write in her spare time. In 1922 her first book was published, Child Whispers, a compilation of poems she had written for children.
Over the next 46 years Enid Blyton wrote over 750 books. Her most famous creations being The Famous Five, The Secret Seven and Noddy. Her works have been greatly criticised. Some see them as racist, sexist and elitist. It must be remembered, however, that Enid Blyton was from a particular era and the values of the time were much different than they are today. Despite all of this Enid Blyton is without doubt the most successful children’s author of the 20th Century.
Test your knowledge of Enid Blyton in this fun quiz about her life and her works.