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Leon Garfield: The Drummer Boy Who Became a Literary Legend

Victor Turner

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Leon Garfield was a British author of children's and historical fiction. He is best known for his novels The Drummer Boy, Smith, and The Dickens.

The Drummer Boy

by Leon Garfield

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1412 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	192 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Early Life and Influences

Leon Garfield was born on September 14, 1921, in Brighton, England. His father was a Jewish immigrant from Russia, and his mother was English. Garfield's early life was marked by poverty and instability. He was often sick and spent much of his childhood in and out of hospitals.

Despite his difficult circumstances, Garfield developed a love of reading and writing at an early age. He was particularly drawn to historical fiction, and he often wrote stories about the past.

The Drummer Boy

In 1960, Garfield published his first novel, The Drummer Boy. The novel tells the story of a young boy who joins the British army during the Napoleonic Wars. The book was a critical and commercial success, and it won the Carnegie Medal for children's literature.

The Drummer Boy was followed by a series of other successful novels, including Smith (1965),The Dickens (1970),and Mr. Corbett's Ghost (1976).

Writing Style

Garfield's writing style is characterized by its vivid imagery, strong characters, and historical accuracy. He often used humor and satire to explore the darker aspects of history.

Garfield's work has been praised by critics for its originality, imagination, and literary merit. He is considered one of the most important British children's authors of the 20th century.

Death and Legacy

Leon Garfield died on June 2, 1996, at the age of 74. He left behind a legacy of over 30 novels, as well as numerous short stories, plays, and radio broadcasts.

Garfield's work continues to be read and enjoyed by children and adults alike. His novels have been translated into over 20 languages, and they have won numerous awards.

Leon Garfield was a gifted writer who created some of the most memorable characters and stories in children's literature. His work is still widely read and enjoyed today, and it continues to inspire new generations of readers.

The Drummer Boy

by Leon Garfield

4 out of 5