author
Penrhyn Wingfield Coussens
1873–1944
Best known for gathering stories and reading guides for young readers, this early-20th-century writer helped shape how children’s books were shared and recommended. His work ranges from folktale collections to practical book lists for families, teachers, and librarians.
1 Audiobook
The Jade Story Book; Stories from the Orient
by Penrhyn Wingfield Coussens
About the author
Born in Hastings on September 21, 1873, and later associated with the United States, Penrhyn Wingfield Coussens wrote and edited books with a strong focus on children’s reading. Reliable catalog and author records confirm his lifespan as 1873–1944, and surviving editions show that he worked across both storytelling and literary guidance.
Coussens is remembered for books such as The Jade Story Book; Stories from the Orient and One Thousand Books for Children. Those works suggest two sides of his career: one as a compiler of imaginative tales for young audiences, and the other as a guide to age-appropriate reading for parents, educators, and librarians.
He may not be a widely known literary celebrity today, but his books still offer a clear picture of early 20th-century children’s literature—full of curated stories, moral themes, and a belief that reading could open up a larger world for young minds.