John Halifax, Gentleman
John Halifax, Gentleman is a novel by Dinah Craik, first published in 1856. The novel was adapted for television by the BBC in 1974.
| Author | Dinah Craik |
|---|---|
| Country | Great Britain |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Hurst and Blackett |
Publication date | 1856 |
| Media type |
Plot summary
The action is centred in the town of Tewkesbury, scarcely disguised by the fictional name Norton Bury, in Gloucestershire. The story is narrated by Phineas, a friend of the central character. John Halifax is an orphan, determined to make his way in the world through honest hard work. He is taken in by a tanner, Abel Fletcher, who is a Quaker, and thus meets Phineas, who is Abel's son. John eventually achieves success in business and love, and becomes a wealthy man. A photographic postcard, probably from the early 20thC, depicts Dunkirk Mills, Inchbrook, near Nailsworth and Stroud, Gloucestershire, stating it was the "original Mills of 'John Halifax Gentleman'". And a discussion on a Stroud Fakebook (sic) page suggests that Enderley and the cottage were the modelled on an area near Avening.
Editions
An illustrated edition was published by J. M. Dent & Co. in 1898, with twelve colour plates by three artists: W.C. (Cubitt) Cooke. L.M. (Laura) Fisher and F.C. (Frederick Colin) Tilney.
Adaptations
The novel has been adapted several times. A 1915 silent film John Halifax, Gentleman was directed by George Pearson. In 1938 a film version John Halifax was made. In 1974 a BBC series John Halifax, Gentleman was made.
