Ian Serraillier, a renowned children's author, was born on September 24, 1912, in London, England. He was the eldest of four siblings born to Lucien Serraillier and Mary Rodger. Growing up, he developed a passion for storytelling and literature, which would eventually shape his career as a writer.
After completing his primary and secondary education, Serraillier went on to study at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford. It was during his time at university that he discovered his love for writing and decided to pursue a career as an author.
Upon graduating from Oxford, Serraillier landed a teaching position at Wycliffe College, where he taught English literature. In 1946, he published his debut work of children's literature, marking the beginning of his successful writing career.
Serraillier was best known for his 1956 children's novel, The Silver Sword, which tells the story of a group of children escaping from war-torn Europe. The book received widespread acclaim and has since become a classic of children's literature. He was also known for his Carnegie Medal-nominated work, The Ivory Horn, as well as his poetry and mythology-based works.
Serraillier was a devoted Quaker, and his faith led him to join the Peace Pledge Union during World War II. He believed in the power of nonviolence and campaigned for peace throughout his life. In his personal life, he married Anne Margaret Rogers, and together they had four children. The family settled in Chichester, Sussex, England, where Serraillier continued to write and inspire readers of all ages.
Throughout his career, Ian Serraillier made a lasting impact on children's literature. His books have been loved by generations of readers, and his commitment to peace and nonviolence has inspired many. He passed away on November 28, 1994, but his legacy lives on through his timeless stories and writings.
Both Ian Serraillier and fellow British children's novelist Monica Edwards were born just over a month apart in 1912. Their contributions to children's literature have left a lasting impression on readers around the world.
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