 |
My Treasured Little House Books
|
Today marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who's semi-autobiographical family memories became the famed Little House on the Prairie series of books.
Early in my life, Ingalls Wilder’s collection was the influence I credit as my introduction to literature; therefore, I look upon this sesquicentennial with much fondness.
Perhaps that’s why, rather than stress about recent online discussions about a posthumous revelation that Mrs. Wilder's books were likely written in collaboration with her uncredited daughter, author Rose Wilder Lane, I chose to embrace the idea of the mother-daughter partnership.
I acknowledge that Ingalls Wilder likely provided the trove of memories, a beautifully descriptive story-telling style, and a true sense of what she wanted to say; while her more experienced writer-daughter enhanced the winning story structure, edited out sad or inappropriate details that would have made the books less inviting, and guided her mother into the world of publishing.
I also believe that Ingalls Wilder’s descriptive memories of pioneering life, with all the inherent historical bias, might never have been published had not her daughter pushed her to write in the first place, and demand excellence once rough drafts showed progress.
That said, it’s unfortunate that Wilder and Lane felt the need to keep their partnership hidden from editors, publishers and readers: For, while Ingalls Wilder's story writing skills, confidence and accolades appeared to grow as the series progressed, Lane apparently came to regret the decision to keep her involvement hidden during the writing and publication of the books.
Many, including myself, believe that On the Way Home, the final book in the Little House on the Prairie series, to be pure Laura: Published after Ingalls Wilder’s death with a short epilogue by daughter Rose, it gave readers an illuminating glimpse into the simplistic yet poignant writing style of Laura, herself. It's my idea of a fitting conclusion to the Ingalls Wilder and Lane family saga.
Laura Ingalls Wilder, a strong-willed woman who's pioneering spirit would live on in the heartwarming literary excellence she’d create with her equally talented daughter, was born on this day in 1867. I believe this to be a sesquicentennial worth honouring.
Early in my life, Ingalls Wilder’s collection was the influence I credit as my introduction to literature; therefore, I look upon this sesquicentennial with much fondness.
Perhaps that’s why, rather than stress about recent online discussions about a posthumous revelation that Mrs. Wilder's books were likely written in collaboration with her uncredited daughter, author Rose Wilder Lane, I chose to embrace the idea of the mother-daughter partnership.
I acknowledge that Ingalls Wilder likely provided the trove of memories, a beautifully descriptive story-telling style, and a true sense of what she wanted to say; while her more experienced writer-daughter enhanced the winning story structure, edited out sad or inappropriate details that would have made the books less inviting, and guided her mother into the world of publishing.
I also believe that Ingalls Wilder’s descriptive memories of pioneering life, with all the inherent historical bias, might never have been published had not her daughter pushed her to write in the first place, and demand excellence once rough drafts showed progress.
That said, it’s unfortunate that Wilder and Lane felt the need to keep their partnership hidden from editors, publishers and readers: For, while Ingalls Wilder's story writing skills, confidence and accolades appeared to grow as the series progressed, Lane apparently came to regret the decision to keep her involvement hidden during the writing and publication of the books.
Many, including myself, believe that On the Way Home, the final book in the Little House on the Prairie series, to be pure Laura: Published after Ingalls Wilder’s death with a short epilogue by daughter Rose, it gave readers an illuminating glimpse into the simplistic yet poignant writing style of Laura, herself. It's my idea of a fitting conclusion to the Ingalls Wilder and Lane family saga.
Laura Ingalls Wilder, a strong-willed woman who's pioneering spirit would live on in the heartwarming literary excellence she’d create with her equally talented daughter, was born on this day in 1867. I believe this to be a sesquicentennial worth honouring.
