The L M Montgomery Reader

Reproduction of the original.

An affecting biography of the author of Anne of Green Gables is the first for young readers to include revelations about her last days and to encompass the complexity of a brilliant and sometimes troubled life. Once upon a time, there was a girl named Maud who adored stories. When she was fourteen years old, Maud wrote in her journal, “I love books. I hope when I grow up to be able to have lots of them.” Not only did Maud grow up to own lots of books, she wrote twenty-four of them herself as L. M. Montgomery, the world-renowned author of Anne of Green Gables. For many years, not a great deal was known about Maud’s personal life. Her childhood was spent with strict, undemonstrative grandparents, and her reflections on writing, her lifelong struggles with anxiety and depression, her “year of mad passion,” and her difficult married life remained locked away, buried deep within her unpublished personal journals. Through this revealing and deeply moving biography, kindred spirits of all ages who, like Maud, never gave up “the substance of things hoped for” will be captivated anew by the words of this remarkable woman.

Following on the heels of the first volume of The L.M. Montgomery Reader, this second volume narrates the development of L.M. Montgomery’s (1874–1942) critical reputation in the seventy years since her death. Edited by leading Montgomery scholar Benjamin Lefebvre, it traces milestones and turning points such as adaptations for stage and screen, posthumous publications, and the development of Montgomery Studies as a scholarly field. Lefebvre’s introduction also considers Montgomery’s publishing history in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom at a time when her work remained in print not because it was considered part of a university canon of literature, but simply due to the continued interest of readers. The twenty samples of Montgomery scholarship included in this volume broach topics such as gender and genre, narrative strategies in fiction and life writing, translation, and Montgomery’s archival papers. They reflect shifts in Montgomery's critical reputation decade by decade: the 1960s, when a milestone chapter on Montgomery coincided with a second wave of texts seeking to create a canon of Canadian literature; the 1970s, in the midst of a sustained reassessment of popular fiction and of literature by women; the 1980s, when the publication of Montgomery’s life writing, which coincided with the broadcast of critically acclaimed television productions adapted from her fiction, radically altered how readers perceived her and her work; the 1990s, when a conference series on Montgomery began to generate a sustained amount of scholarship; and the opening years of the twenty-first century, when the field of Montgomery Studies became both international and interdisciplinary. This is the first book to consider the posthumous life of one of Canada's most enduringly popular authors.

Lucy Maud Montgomery, Canada’s most beloved author, not only gave the world the classic novel Anne of Green Gables, but she was also a devoted minister’s wife, mother, neighbour, and friend to many, who in turn were honoured to have know this great lady. In Remembering Lucy Maud Montgomery, the writer is remembered through first-hand reminiscences of the people who knew her. Her Sunday school students, neighbours, maids, family, and friends paint a portrait of Montgomery as she has never before been seen. Not only does this book uncover fascinating sides of the author and provide fresh anecdotes, but it includes many photographs that are published for the first time. Even Montgomery’s most devoted fans will find stories to surprise, delight, and at times even shock them.

L. M. Montgomery is perhaps best known as an author of youth fiction, especially her Anne of Green Gables series. But of her novels intended for adult readers, The Blue Castle is the most famous. In Valancy Stirling’s rural Ontario town, marriage is thought to be a young woman’s vital accomplishment. Yet Valancy, now in her late 20s, has never had a flicker of interest from any suitor. Add to this the oppressive home life she endures with her mother, and Valancy’s misery is complete. In order to find some relief, she builds a fantasy world in her imagination—her “Blue Castle”—full of love and beauty. Even this, however, fails to support her when her chest pains prove to be the sign of a terminal condition. This traumatic discovery combines with Valancy’s inspirational reading to prompt her to take back her life—much to her relatives’ consternation. Undeterred, Valancy finds new worth and freedom in relationships she could never have imagined before, which bring their own surprising twists and turns.

The L.M. Montgomery Reader assembles significant rediscovered primary material on one of Canada's most enduringly popular authors throughout her high-profile career and after her death. Each of its three volumes gathers pieces published all over the world to set the stage for a much-needed reassessment of Montgomery's literary reputation. Much of the material is freshly unearthed from archives and digital collections and has never before been published in book form. The selections appearing in this first volume focus on Montgomery's role as a public celebrity and author of the resoundingly successful Anne of Green Gables (1908). They give a strong impression of her as a writer and cultural critic as she discusses a range of topics with wit, wisdom, and humour, including the natural landscape of Prince Edward Island, her wide readership, anxieties about modernity, and the continued relevance of “old ideals.” These essays and interviews, joined by a number of additional pieces that discuss her work's literary and cultural value in relation to an emerging canon of Canadian literature, make up nearly one hundred selections in all. Each volume is accompanied by an extensive introduction and detailed commentary by leading Montgomery scholar Benjamin Lefebvre that trace the interplay between the author and the critic, as well as between the private and the public Montgomery. This volume – and the Reader as a whole – adds tremendously to our understanding and appreciation of Montgomery's legacy as a Canadian author and as a literary celebrity both during and beyond her lifetime.

Invoking theories of popular culture, film, literature, drama, and tourism, contributors probe the emotional attachment and loyalty of many generations of readers to L.M. Montgomery's books.

Step into the enchanting world of Avonlea with "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Join the beloved character Anne Shirley on her captivating journey of self-discovery, friendship, and adventure in the picturesque landscapes of Prince Edward Island. As you delve into Montgomery's timeless classic, prepare to be transported to a world of imagination and wonder. From Anne's vivid imagination to her indomitable spirit, each page is filled with heartwarming moments and unforgettable characters that will capture your heart. But beyond the idyllic setting of Green Gables and the charming village of Avonlea, "Anne of Green Gables" delves into deeper themes of love, resilience, and the power of belonging. Montgomery's evocative prose and rich storytelling resonate with readers of all ages, inviting them to embrace Anne's zest for life and her unwavering belief in the beauty of the world. Yet, amidst the laughter and tears, a profound question emerges: How can Anne's journey inspire us to embrace our own uniqueness, overcome adversity, and find joy in the everyday? Engage with Montgomery's beloved characters through heartfelt conversations and poignant moments that capture the essence of friendship and family. As you follow Anne on her adventures, you'll discover the transformative power of love, imagination, and the bonds that unite us all. Now, as you immerse yourself in "Anne of Green Gables," consider this: How will Anne's story inspire you to embrace the beauty of life's imperfections and celebrate the magic of being yourself? Don't miss the opportunity to experience the timeless magic of "Anne of Green Gables." Acquire your copy today and embark on a journey of discovery, where every page is a reminder that with a little imagination and a lot of heart, anything is possible. ```