September Comes In by Frances Margaret McGuire

September Comes In

by Frances Margaret McGuire

Heinemann, 1961 [First Edition], hardcover, dust-jacket

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, previous owners gift inscription on front fly-leaf, minor foxing to fore-edges, price-clipped dust-jacket in removable Mylar protection slip, minor edge and shelf wear (see photographs)

"in 1901 Elizabeth Ingefell was five and her patriotic fervour was limited to a sybaritic admiration for the exotic accoutrements and plumes of those of her mother's acquaintances who had fought in South Africa.  Beth's complete and fascinated attention was held by the family's new house by the beach; golden sand and rolling breakers, taps with running water and a large ginger Tom were wonderfully miraculous after the lonely station in the landlocked Outback of Australia.
Through the insatiably prying eyes of the child, Elizabeth, the young and colourful society of the 1900s is revealed.  There is the adventure of a royal visit, summer garden parties, a ride in a stage coach, an Australian picnic - an elaborate, Rabelaisian affair - all interspersed with the vicissitudes of fluttering Edwardian flirtations.  Domestic atmosphere and family life is evoked with magic detail; a splendid dinner party groups together the novel's characters, at the same time intriguing the reader with glimpses of protocol, the flavour of an ice, the decoration of an epergne.""