In ‘The Silver Crown: Another Book of Fables, ‘ Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards employs a lyrical and enchanting narrative style, weaving together a collection of fables that reflect moral truths and philosophical insights. Through a rich tapestry of anthropomorphized characters, each story serves as a vessel for deeper reflections on virtue, resilience, and the human condition, reflecting the Victorian era’s fascination with morality in literature. The fables draw upon traditional tropes, yet Richards infuses them with fresh perspectives, making them relevant for both children and adults, reflecting her keen understanding of the complexities of moral education. Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards, an accomplished poet, author, and biographer, was deeply embedded in the literary and intellectual milieu of her time, being the daughter of the prominent writer and feminist, Clara Elizabeth Howe. Her extensive experience in writing and her commitment to educating the young shaped her narrative voice in this collection. Richards’s personal background and her progressive ideals illuminate her desire to craft stories that inspire ethical behavior and empathy among readers, particularly the youth. Richards’s ‘The Silver Crown’ is a timeless collection that deserves a place on the shelves of those who appreciate literature steeped in moral wisdom. Scholars, educators, and parents will find it a valuable tool for fostering discussions about ethics and values, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the interplay between storytelling and moral education.
About the author
Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards (1850–1943) was an American writer and poet, best known for her prolific children’s books and biographies of her family members. Daughter to Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, an educator for the blind, and Julia Ward Howe, author of the ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic, ‘ Richards was poised from an early age to embrace a literary path. Her early upbringing was steeped in a milieu of intellectual and social activism which profoundly shaped her writing career.
Richards published over 90 books throughout her lifetime, employing a gentle humor and moral earnestness that endeared her to young readers. Among her most celebrated works is ‘The Silver Crown: Another Book of Fables’ (1906), a charming collection of stories that illuminate virtue and folly through deft storytelling. Her facility with language and her imaginative narratives contributed to the New England literary tradition, her tales often imbued with the spirit of American, family-centered idealism. Richards’s contribution to children’s literature was acknowledged with a posthumous Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for her book ‘Tirra Lirra’ in 1959, while it is her book ‘Captain January’ that secured a lasting legacy, having been adapted into two films. Richards’s literary style was marked by a clarity and simplicity that resonated with the values and aspirations of her time.
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