Eden Phillpotts

Eden Phillpotts Biography

Eden Phillpotts (November 4, 1862 – December 29, 1960) was a prolific English author, poet, and dramatist, best known for his extensive writings set in the Dartmoor region of Devon. Born in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India, Phillpotts was the son of Captain Henry Phillpotts of the Indian Army and Adelaide Phillpotts. Following his father's death in 1865, his mother returned to England with her children, settling in Plymouth, Devon.

Educated at Mannamead School in Plymouth, Phillpotts initially worked as a clerk for the Sun Fire Office in London for a decade. During this period, he pursued acting but eventually shifted his focus to writing. His literary career spanned over 70 years, during which he authored more than 100 novels, plays, and poetry collections, many vividly depicting rural Devon life.

Phillpotts' notable works include Children of the Mist (1898), Sons of the Morning (1900), and Widecombe Fair (1913). He also co-wrote plays with his daughter, Adelaide Phillpotts, such as The Farmer's Wife (1917) and Yellow Sands (1926). His play The Farmer's Wife was adapted into a film by Alfred Hitchcock in 1928.

Beyond his literary pursuits, Phillpotts was an active conservationist, serving as the President of the Dartmoor Preservation Association. He was also known for his friendships with notable figures like Agatha Christie, who dedicated her 1932 novel Peril at End House to him. Phillpotts passed away at the age of 98 in Broadclyst, near Exeter, Devon.

Trivia About Eden Phillpotts

• Phillpotts was a great-nephew of Henry Phillpotts, the Bishop of Exeter.
• He initially aspired to be an actor before dedicating himself to writing.
• His Dartmoor series comprises 18 novels and two volumes of short stories.
• Phillpotts was an agnostic and a supporter of the Rationalist Press Association.

Famous Quotes by Eden Phillpotts

• "The people sensible enough to give good advice are usually sensible enough to give none."
• "The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Eden Phillpotts?

Eden Phillpotts was an English author, poet, and dramatist known for his extensive writings about rural Devon life, particularly the Dartmoor region.

What are some of Eden Phillpotts' notable works?

Some of his notable works include Children of the Mist, Sons of the Morning, and Widecombe Fair. He also co-wrote plays like The Farmer's Wife and Yellow Sands with his daughter.

What was Eden Phillpotts' connection to Agatha Christie?

Phillpotts was a friend and mentor to Agatha Christie, who dedicated her 1932 novel Peril at End House to him.

Related Literary Movements

Eden Phillpotts is associated with regional literature, focusing on the depiction of rural life in Devon. His works contribute to the pastoral literary tradition, emphasizing the relationship between people and their natural surroundings.

Explore more about Eden Phillpotts on eBookTakeAway