Elfrida Vipont
Elfrida Vipont (1902-1992) was a prominent English author known for her children’s literature, particularly notable works such as *The Lark in the Morn* and the Carnegie Award-winning *The Lark on the Wing*. Born in Manchester to a Quaker family, Vipont's upbringing in a devout environment profoundly influenced her writing, often reflecting themes of Quakerism and spiritual exploration. She spent her childhood studying at Mount School and pursued a passion for singing, which underscored her later literary themes. Vipont’s works frequently center around the Haverard family, especially young Kit Haverard, who navigates her desire to sing against the backdrop of her strict Quaker upbringing.
In addition to her children’s books, she produced several devotional writings and anthologies during challenging personal times, addressing themes relevant to young adults grappling with their faith. Her collection, *Terror by Night*, showcases her interest in the myths and legends of the Lancashire countryside, influenced by her own vivid childhood nightmares. While her writing has been critiqued for its strong Quaker themes, which some perceive as excluding other perspectives, Vipont's commitment to her beliefs remains evident throughout her body of work. Her contributions to literature extend beyond fiction, including biographies of notable authors such as Charlotte Brontë and Jane Austen.
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Elfrida Vipont
Author
- Born: July 3, 1902
- Birthplace: Manchester, England
- Died: March 14, 1992
Biography
Elfrida Vipont is best known for her children’s books, most notably The Lark in the Morn and the Carnegie Award-winning The Lark on the Wing. She was born in Manchester, England, in 1902, the daughter of Edward Vipont, a physician, and his wife, Dorothy Crowley Brown, both of whom were devout Quakers. As a child, she studied at Mount School, and she later took singing lessons in London, Paris, and Leipzig, Germany. In 1926, she married Robinson Percy Foulds, a research chemist.
Vipont lived in Lancashire, the birthplace of Quakerism. She was fascinated by the historical and spiritual significance of Lancashire, and most of her writing is set in the area. When she was not writing, Vipont was involved with the Quaker (Society of Friends) church, acting as a tour guide to the countryside, and serving as chairman of the Friends Historical Society for twenty years.
She began her literary career writing children’s stories about Quakerism. Her later children’s novels, including the two Lark tales, feature the Haverards, a Quaker family. The books often focus on young Kit Haverard, who despite her strict religious upbringing wishes to become a singer. The books contain many biographical elements from Vipont’s life. Although some critics characterized the books as sentimental, they were quite popular. Vipont was undaunted by negative reviews and continued to write her books in the same style.
In addition to her children’s books, Vipont produced works of devotional writing and religious instruction. Three of her anthologies, The High Way: An Anthology, Bless This Day: An Anthology of Prayer for Young People, and The Bridge: An Anthology, were published during a particularly stressful period in her life when her husband, father, and a son-in-law died. Several of her devotional books remain relevant for contemporary young adults who are questioning Christianity.
Terror by Night: A Book of Strange Stories was a collection of stories based on the myths and legends of the Lancashire countryside, historical writings, and the recollections of friends. Vipont suffered from vivid nightmares as a child, so her belief in the supernatural was not out of character. She also wrote biographies of writers Charlotte Brontë, George Eliot, and Jane Austen.
Vipont died in 1992 at the age of ninety-one. Some readers criticize the distinctly Quaker themes in her writing, complaining that she excludes other religious views. However, it must be remembered that Vipont was a devoted Quaker. Her writings speak to her commitment to the Quaker principles of a sacramental life dedicated to humility and faith.