Hi Ginny, I became interested in Beatrix Potter after reading the first three books in an intended 7 book series by Susan Wittig Albert which features Beatrix Potter as a sort of detective. But I believe she was quite faithful to her life to the extent it didn't interfere with the story/mystery.
I did read a bio of her but can't remember which one. My library listed two:
Beatrix Potter's Art: Paintings and Drawings by Anne Stevenson Hobbs
Beatrix Potter, Artist, Storyteller, and Countrywoman by Judy Taylor
I am almost certain it is the Judy Taylor I read.

BTW, did you know that in January 2007 a movie of her life is coming into the theaters called "Miss Potter" and starring Renee Zellweger in the title role?

What other bios have you liked?
gbg

I read about that movie on this forum, gbg, and I am looking forward to it. I also read here about those mysteries but I'd like to read a good biography first. There are a bunch listed on Amazon and I wondered which one is best. Will have to check my own library, I guess.

Biographies of American women from 1940 backwards to colonial times are my favorite type of books, tho I do read all kinds of other stuff. Mysteries are my guilty favorite--but no blood and gore.

One of the best books I've read in the last ten years is "The Unredeemed Captive" by John Demos. Awful title for a truly great book. It is the totally gripping true story of an American (English) girl captured by the French and Canadian Indians during the Deerfield MA raids in 1704. Her father was the town minister and therefore the most important person in town (and the most stubborn). Most of the captives were gradually traded by the French back to their New England homes (the English did the same). But this little girl liked her new home and adoptive Indian family better and refused to come back, to everyone's shock and horror. There is much, much more but I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

I couldn't put it down. Read it two days straight after Christmas one year and then I got in the car and drove to Deerfield, about 2 hours away, just to see where it had happened. A riveting story and the author is one of the most respected historians of New England colonial days.

Ginny,
I think I read that book but the author doesn't sound familiar. It seems to me that I read a version of that story written for young adults. It was a fascinating and gripping read.

I just finished "Lilibet" by Carolly Erickson. Easy to read and very sympathetic to the Queen.

gbg

I read a biography of Beatrix Potter a while ago. I'm almost positive it was by Margaret Lane and called The Tale of Beatrix Potter. I liked it.

I just got back from the movies where I finally was able to see "Miss Potter". It is not in general release--just a few theatres here and there. This theatre had just two showings because of the Oscars tonight--guess it is nominated for something.

If you love English scenery, or if you ever read Peter Rabbit, or you like biographies, especially of women, you will love this movie. It is set in London and the Lake District and Rene Zellweger was marvelous. The story takes liberties with the facts of Beatrix Potter's life but the movie was so good, I am willing to forgive them. But I am still looking for THE biography. Go see this movie!!

ginny, I would agree with you that the Lake District scenery was pretty in Miss Potter although I don't think Hollywood's idea of London, all clean and shiny with people taking tea in their back gardens was as it would have been in those days. As you say many liberties were taken with the 'true' story of her life eg. Fred Warne did not die from a cold/chill caught while seeing her off at the railway station . . . but I found Rene Zellweger most annoying with all that twitching and blinking! She 'does' a good Englih accent though!

It's interesting to hear you comment favorably on Zellweger's accent, Vee. The IMDB board is all a-flutter with outraged English persons who are annoyed that an American got that part. Ah well, it has gone the other way many times, with marvelous results.

Even tho I enjoyed the movie so much, I keep wondering why the truth is never good enough for the moviemaking industry. Beatrix Potter's life did not need romantic embellishment, especially at the cost of downplaying her life's work.

Okay, another movie crossed off the "must see list" until I can rent it for $2. thanks for saving me $8.00!

>Ah well, it has gone the other way many times, with marvelous results.Hugh Laurie as Dr. House, for instance. I have had knock down drag outs with people who WILL NOT believe he is British-until they see Bertie and Wooster.

Oh, no, ccrdmrbks. I hope I didn't discourage you. This was an absolutely wonderful movie and you must see it in a theatre if possible, if only because of the spectacular Lake District scenery.

Damian(Band of Brothers)Lewis is another one, as is M Streep who can even do regional accents (much more difficult than 'standard' English).
Do Americans forgive Vivien Leigh for her faltering 'Southern' accent in GWTW? And Leslie Howard, how did he 'sound' to you? I used to think he was sooo romantic, in a slightly wimpish Hugh Grant way!

Personally, as a former Georgian, I thought Leslie Howard's accent in GWTW stunk! But then I could not stand his character -- such a dodo compared to Rhett! On the other hand, I give high marks to Vivian Leigh. A lot of that southern flirty stuff is sheer body language, which she got just right.

I'll have to go to a matinee, when I won't be the only person grinding my teeth and making comments.

Saw the movie yesterday...loved it, grimacing and liberties and all. Will see it again.
There is an new bio out by Linda Lear.

gbg