MW

Margery Williams

20quotes

Margery Williams


Full Name and Common Aliases

Margery Sharp Williams was a British-American author of children's books, best known for her beloved classic The Velveteen Rabbit.

Birth and Death Dates

Born on April 14, 1881, in London, England, Margery Williams passed away on March 17, 1944, at the age of 62.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Margery Williams was a British-American author of children's books. She is best known for her work in the genre of children's literature, particularly in the realm of fantasy and magical realism.

Early Life and Background

Williams was born into an artistic family; her father, Francis Henry Sharp, was a landscape painter. Her mother, Margaret (née Taylor), was a talented artist as well. Growing up amidst the bohemian lifestyle of her parents, Williams developed a love for art and literature from an early age. She spent much of her childhood in Italy, where her family would often travel to escape the cold English winters.

Williams' early life was marked by tragedy when she lost her mother at just four years old. Her father remarried soon after, but the loss of her mother had a lasting impact on Williams. This experience may have influenced her later writing, which often explores themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of relationships.

Major Accomplishments

Margery Williams' most notable work is undoubtedly The Velveteen Rabbit, published in 1922. The story follows the adventures of a stuffed toy rabbit as it befriends a young boy and eventually becomes "real" through their shared experiences. This timeless tale has become a beloved classic, cherished by children and adults alike for its poignant exploration of love, friendship, and the human condition.

In addition to The Velveteen Rabbit, Williams wrote several other notable works, including Iona (1924) and Hayloft People (1933). Her writing is characterized by a deep understanding of the human heart and a unique ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet evocative language.

Notable Works or Actions

Williams' contributions to children's literature extend beyond her written works. She was also a devoted advocate for the importance of imagination in childhood development. In an era where children were encouraged to conform to societal norms, Williams championed the value of individuality and creativity.

Her writing often explored themes of love, loss, and transformation, reflecting her own experiences with grief and bereavement. Through her stories, Williams offered a reassuring message to children: that they are not alone in their emotions and that even the most difficult experiences can ultimately lead to growth and understanding.

Impact and Legacy

Margery Williams' legacy extends far beyond her written works. Her stories have been translated into numerous languages and continue to captivate readers worldwide. The timeless appeal of The Velveteen Rabbit lies in its ability to convey universal truths about love, friendship, and the human experience.

Williams' impact on children's literature cannot be overstated. She helped pave the way for future generations of authors who would explore themes of imagination, creativity, and emotional intelligence in their work. Her writing continues to inspire readers today, offering a powerful reminder of the transformative power of stories and the importance of nurturing childhood wonder.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Margery Williams is widely quoted and remembered for her profound insights into the human heart. Through her writing, she offered a unique perspective on love, loss, and transformation – themes that continue to resonate with readers today.

Williams' stories are often cited as an inspiration for educators, parents, and caregivers seeking to foster emotional intelligence in children. Her work reminds us of the importance of imagination, creativity, and empathy in shaping young minds and promoting healthy development.

In short, Margery Williams is a beloved figure in children's literature due to her remarkable ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet evocative language. Her legacy continues to inspire readers worldwide, offering a timeless message of hope, love, and transformation that will endure for generations to come.

Quotes by Margery Williams

He didn’t mind how he looked to other people, because the nursery magic had made him Real, and when you are Real shabbiness doesn’t matter.
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He didn’t mind how he looked to other people, because the nursery magic had made him Real, and when you are Real shabbiness doesn’t matter.
MW
Of what use was it to be loved and lose one’s beauty and become Real if it all ended like this? And a tear, a real tear, trickled down his little shabby velvet nose and fell to the ground.
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Of what use was it to be loved and lose one’s beauty and become Real if it all ended like this? And a tear, a real tear, trickled down his little shabby velvet nose and fell to the ground.
MW
When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.
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When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.
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It doesn’t happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time.
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It doesn’t happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time.
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Once you are real you can’t become unreal again. It lasts for always.
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Once you are real you can’t become unreal again. It lasts for always.
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Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.
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Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.
MW
Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.
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Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.
MW
#real
It doesn't happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time.
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It doesn't happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time.
MW
#educational
He didn't mind how he looked to other people, because the nursery magic had made him Real, and when you are Real shabbiness doesn't matter.
"
He didn't mind how he looked to other people, because the nursery magic had made him Real, and when you are Real shabbiness doesn't matter.
MW
#humility
When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.
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When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.
MW
#children
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