Classic Authors: Beatrix Potter

The gentle world of animals and nature that characterize Beatrix Potter's children's books, say much about the author's life and personality. Shy and reserved, Beatrix found happiness among her pets, and the woods and fields that she explored endlessly. Even in later life, after she had married, Beatrix still found joy in farming and raising sheep and pigs. Throughout her life, she devoted her time and energy to preserving land and buildings in the Lake District, which she had always loved. Although she was a shrewd businesswoman and tough enough to spend long hours farming, her sensitivity and kind nature seep through the words and illustrations of her stories for children. Everyone finds a friend in Beatrix Potter.

Beatrix was born on July 28, 1866, in Kensington, London. Her family typified Victorian life, complete with a large house and servants. A succession of governesses saw to Beatrix, teaching her to read and write. She saw her parents rarely. Since her father and mother discouraged socializing with other children, Beatrix spent many hours alone. When she was 6 years old, her brother Bertram was born and the two became playmates and friends. Their only other chums were the many pets they kept in the nursery.

The Potter Family spent several months every year on vacation in the Lake District. Here, Beatrix and Bertram combed the countryside, exploring the woods and fields. They chased wild animals, which Beatrix would sketch with surprising skill. It was while on vacation, that the family became acquainted with Canon Harwicke Rawnsley, the local vicar. Rawnsley expressed concern about the ruination of nature due to industry, a cause which Beatrix embraced readily. Throughout her life, she remained dedicated to the preservation of the Lake District's land and buildings.

Beatrix began writing at age 15, when she started a diary. She coded her secret journal, in which she expressed her opinions openly and honestly. The code remained unbroken until Leslie Linder, an engineer, cracked it fifteen years after Beatrix's death. Her writing did not gain attention until 1902, when The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published, and became an overnight success. Peter Rabbit first appeared in a letter Beatrix wrote to Noel Moore, the son of one of her governesses. The child lay ill in bed, and Beatrix entertained him with her tale of a naughty rabbit. Several years later, she thought of publishing the story. After six rejections from publishers, Beatrix printed the book herself and only then did Frederick Warne agree to publish the storybook.

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