Elevenses

Gateaupain: It was 1944 and I found an extract in some magazine and learnt it by heart. father was so impressed he bought me the book. I'm surprised there's no-one else if only for the "Arthur is Gone" poem - Rex Quondam Rex Futuram

Gateaupain: I had nearly all the Biggles books up to the late 40's.

Gateaupain: It was in the family revolving book-case and it is only later that I realised its social significance. I didn't even know it was set in America. I still have the bookcase 75 years later

Gateaupain: Boring Sunday reading. We were an Exclusive Brethren family then.

gwernin: I've actually owned this book since I was about 5!

Gateaupain: Who doesn't have it and love it. I still quote from it today - Pale waifs in the woodland wet" - "as I loose the snare you shall see me there".....

Gateaupain: Raided big Sister's bookcase. Henry actually was a distant cousin

Gateaupain: Raided big Brothers books. He was in North Africa at the time

Gateaupain: We had the full set. I challenged myself to read them all but "the Pirate" finished me about halfway through.

Gateaupain: I could have said any Arthur Ransome

Gateaupain: I was told it was my grandparent's Swallows & Amazons. I did learn to swim from it!

Gateaupain: Again that family revolving bookcase. I still have it. I've now nearly finished Moby Dick. - Lots of times!