The Young Visiters By Daisy Ashford

Ratings:

Age Group: all ages. Availability: public domain, so available online. Cleanliness: 10/10. Overall: *****

Review:

Written in the 1890’s, The Young Visiters, by nine-year-old Daisy Ashford, is the story of elderly Mr. Salteena (42) and his adventures with his young friend Ethel Monticue. Besides visiting the country house of Bernard, they visit London and the ‘Crystale Pallace” and have a wonderful time. As well as being extremely funny, the book provides a charming glimpse into the late Victorian period through the eyes of a young child. Miss Ashford includes a lot of small details, like Ethel’s “golden gurdle and a very chick tocque” and her use of “ruge” that, together with the interesting storyline, really make the story a gripping read. Although it was written in the late 1890’s in an old exercise book, it was not rediscovered and published until 1917. In its first year alone, there were 18 reprintings of it, such was its popularity. Since then it has been loved by children of all ages and especially by adults, to whom the eccentric spelling and simple plot are most charming. It is also interesting to note that Miss Ashford’s original spelling, punctuation and paragraph spacing has been preserved and greatly adds to the charm of the book. Best known by British audiences, anyone who has a love of Victorian Britain will enjoy this portrait of it as seen through the young author’s eyes.  

In 2003 The Young Visiters was made into a highly entertaining and humorous film starring Jim Broadbent, Hugh Laurie and Geoffrey Palmer, among others. It is extremely enjoyable and true to the original spirit of the book. I have been able to find the film in my local library and it is well worth watching if you enjoy the book. 

Nota Bene: The book is a bit hard to find in book form outside of Britain, but Project Gutenberg has it in several downloadable forms (see the link on the right).