Ransome married Evgenia and returned to England in 1924. These contacts led to persistent but unproven accusations that he 'spied' for both the Bolsheviks and Britain. He knew many of the leading Bolsheviks, including Lenin, Radek, Trotsky and the latter's secretary, Evgenia Shvelpina. Petersburg, where he was ideally placed to observe and report on the Russian Revolution. He used this precarious existence to practice writing, producing several minor works before Bohemia in London (1907), a study of London's artistic scene and his first significant book.Īn interest in folklore, together with a desire to escape an unhappy first marriage, led Ransome to St.

In 1902, Ransome abandoned a chemistry degree to become a publisher's office boy in London. The Big Six (originally published in 1940) is the ninth title in the Swallows and Amazons series, books for children or grownups, anyone captivated by a world of adventure, exploration, and imagination.Īrthur Michell Ransome (Janu– June 3, 1967) was an English author and journalist. More than just great stories, each one celebrates independence and initiative with a colorful, large cast of characters. Someone is trying to drive Joe, Bill, and Pete away in disgrace for crimes they didn't commit.įriendship and resourcefulness, dangers and excitement: Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons series has stood the test of time. When the Ds (Dorothea and Dick) arrive, hoping to enjoy a holiday with their friends of the Coot Club, it seems to them that a plot is afoot. Joe, Bill, and Pete live to sail in the Norfolk Broads but now they are under suspicion of setting boats adrift and stealing from ship builders. It's up to the three boys, and three other members of the Coot Club Bird Protection Society, to solve the mystery and clear their name. They claim to be innocent but, as accusations mount, their families' livelihood is threatened. There's a crime wave on the lake! All evidence points to three boatbuilders' sons.

Arthur ransome author