The golden story book

A late-Victorian and early-20th-century English writer, she published adventure stories, girls’ fiction, fairy tales, and poetry under the name Sheila E. Braine. Her work ranges from historical tales to imaginative children’s stories, showing a fondness for lively plots and storytelling for younger readers.

May Byron

1861–1936

Best known for reshaping J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan stories for younger readers, this versatile British writer also moved easily between poetry, biography, and children’s books. Her work has the brisk, inviting feel of an author who loved introducing classic figures and stories to new audiences.

Evelyn Everett-Green

1856–1932

A remarkably prolific Victorian storyteller, she wrote hundreds of books ranging from pious children's tales to historical adventures and romantic fiction. Her work reflects the moral earnestness and wide readership of late 19th- and early 20th-century popular fiction.

George Manville Fenn

1831–1909

Best known for lively adventure stories, this Victorian writer also worked as a teacher, journalist, and editor before turning his energy to fiction. His books often mix action, curiosity, and a strong sense of place, which helped make him a popular author for younger readers.

Lilian Gask

b. 1865

Best known for imaginative children's books filled with folklore, fairy tales, animals, and nature, this early 20th-century British writer brought a gentle sense of wonder to young readers. Her stories often mix lively storytelling with curiosity about the natural world.

G. R. (Geraldine Robertson) Glasgow

Known for warm, old-fashioned stories for children, this early 20th-century writer also published poetry and contributed to popular anthologies. Her work has a gentle, domestic charm, often centered on family life, kindness, and childhood adventure.

G. A. (George Alfred) Henty

1832–1902

Best known for fast-moving historical adventures, this prolific English writer helped generations of young readers imagine battles, journeys, and distant places. He also worked as a war correspondent, bringing a reporter’s eye for action into many of his stories.

Best known for adventure stories and military histories from the late Victorian and First World War eras, this British writer brought battlefield heroism and imperial action to life for young readers. His books range from school and scout-style fiction to volumes celebrating acts of wartime bravery.