A perfect novel
When twelve, I found 'Coot Club' in our local library - hard-covered, naturally: they all were in the mid 1950s. I read it and then every companion volume, each one a delight, plus 'Racundra's First Cruise' and 'Old Peter's Russian Tales' - 'The Soldier and Death' stands out. (The latter two have nothing to do with the Swallows and Amazons, but I will chase them up.)
Recently I met some children who liked Enid Blyton books, and decided to introduce them to Arthur Ransome. I bought 'Swallows and Amazons', 'Swallowdale', and of course 'Coot Club' for them, all of which I read immediately.
Each delighted, but 'Coot Club' was the best: interesting people, a very believable plot, ecology, environmental action, water transport history, tight writing, the characteristic excellent illustrations by Ransome himself, regional atmosphere, humour and excitement. And a satisfying ending.
In 1974 my brother and I downed a pint at the Swan, Horning Staithe, in homage to Tom Dudgeon, Port and Starboard, the Death and Glories and Dick and Dorothea, and the very understanding Mrs Barrable. We left out villain George Owdon.
