A new title for Blyton expert

12:27pm Monday 13th August 2007

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A LEADING authority on author Enid Blyton has been appointed as Professor of Children's Literature by the University of Bolton.

Professor David Rudd was given the title in recognition of his expertise which has brought him, and the university, national acclaim.

His last book, Enid Blyton and the Mystery of Children's Literature, investigated the much-maligned author of the Famous Five, Secret Seven and Noddy (pictured right) series.

Blyton was, and still is, immensely popular with children but, as the book discusses, her abilities are dismissed by many literature critics and adults in general.

"Though panned by the critics, children loved her work and she is still a best-seller," he said.

"The basis of her appeal is complex, but in general terms she drew on an older tradition of storytelling which uses swiftly drawn, almost formulaic characters and landscapes, plain unadorned writing and strong plots.

"What this meant was that readers worldwide could fill in the local colouring themselves - and readily identify with the heroes."

Mr Rudd sjoined the university as a lecturer in 1983, when it was still known as The Bolton Institute, before gaining his doctorate. He is now based in the university's School of Arts, Media and Education.

Mr Rudd was a member of the panel which chose the new Children's Laureate, Michael Rosen, as the successor to Jacqueline Wilson in June.

His personal list of recommended children's literature includes books by Philip Pullman, Geraldine McCaughrean and Diana Wynne Jones and the illustrations of Shaun Tan.

Mr Rudd said: "Children's literature enjoys a far higher profile today, partly as result of crossover fiction - books aimed at younger readers, which also appeal to adults.

"The phenomenon is not new. The ripping yarns of Dickens or Robert Louis Stevenson were read by adults and young people alike. Lovers of good fiction search the young adult or children's shelves where they will find an embarrassment of riches."