Ruth M. Arthur
Ruth M. Arthur was a Scottish author born on May 26, 1905, in Glasgow, who made significant contributions to children's and young adult literature. After earning a diploma from Froebel Training College in 1926, she taught kindergarten in Scotland and England before dedicating herself to her family after marrying lawyer Frederick N. Huggins in 1932. Arthur began writing at a young age, publishing her first short stories at eighteen. Initially focused on younger audiences, her writing evolved to address the experiences of adolescents as her own children grew up. Known for her vivid settings, often reflective of Scotland and England, her works incorporate a "spirit of place," particularly in her Gothic tales. Arthur's stories delve into complex themes such as adoption, divorce, and loneliness, aiming to help young readers navigate the challenges of growing up. Her novels typically feature female protagonists grappling with social issues while discovering their identities and the importance of community. Arthur passed away on March 6, 1979, leaving behind a legacy of engaging and thought-provoking literature for young readers.
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Subject Terms
Ruth M. Arthur
Writer
- Born: May 26, 1905
- Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
- Died: March 6, 1979
- Place of death: Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Biography
Ruth Mabel Arthur was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on May 26, 1905, the daughter of Allan, an electrical contractor, and Ruth. She earned a diploma from the Froebel Training College in 1926 and then taught kindergarten in both Scotland and England. She married Frederick N. Huggins, a lawyer, in 1932, and retired from teaching to raise their six children. She died on March 6, 1979.
Arthur began writing as a child and published her first short stories at the age of eighteen. Her first books were for younger children; however, as her own children became teenagers, she began to write for adolescents and young adults. Arthur drew on her surroundings to create the settings for her novels; a “spirit of place” is an important element in her stories, especially in her Gothic tales, which are usually set in Scotland or England. Arthur explained that she wrote about “the intricacies of human relationships and the difficulties of adolescence.” Her stories “try to introduce children of eleven or twelve upwards to some of the universal problems of the grown-up world, such as adoption, divorce, loneliness, [and] delinquency.” Her novels usually center on a girl who is the main character and narrator. As the character is forced to deal with social problems, she discovers the value of community and works out her own salvation by discovering herself and others.