This talk by Eliane Luke marks the 40th anniversary of the death of writer Malcolm Saville (1901-82).  

Born in Hastings, he lived in retirement in Winchelsea in the 1970s. He wrote more than 90 books, plus short stories and magazine articles, whilst at the same time working full-time in publishing.

In his heyday he was one of Britain’s most critically acclaimed children’s novelists, rivalling Enid Blyton in popularity. Several of his books were serialised for broadcast on radio, and two were made into films.

This illustrated talk considers his life and writing, particularly his use of our local landscape in his books, with their vivid descriptions of locations in Rye and the surrounding area.