A Tale of Roslyn School
By Dean Farrar
Adapted for broadcasting by M.H. Allen
Presented by E.J. King Bull
The Play produced by Peter Creswell
Frederick William Farrar was born in 1831. He was educated at King William's College, Castletown, Isle of Man, a school whose external surroundings are reproduced in 'Eric: or, Little by Little'; then at King's College, London, and at Trinity College, Cambridge. He became a schoolmaster, first at Marlborough, then at Harrow; then returned to Marlborough as headmaster in 1871. In the next year he became Chaplain-in-Ordinary to the Queen, and later, Canon of Westminster and Rector of St. Margaret's, Westminster. 'Eric: or, Little by Little' was his first book, and was published in 1858. The opening sentence of the preface which he wrote for it, thirty-one years later, is quoted at the bottom of the page. He goes on to say: I am deeply thankful to know - from testimony public and private, anonymous and acknowledged - that this object has... been fulfilled.... I trust that the book may continue to live so long - and so long only - as it may prove to be a source of moral benefit to those who read it.' It continues to live, and to be despatched, with coloured plates and decorated cover, each Christmas, by pious aunts to their nephews: but is the author's modest hope fulfilled? It is difficult to believe. Nothing 'dates' so rapidly as a school story, and every year the emotions and sufferings of Eric and his friends, wicked or pure, raise a larger laugh from young and old alike. Fascinated by these drink-sodden, smoke-pickled, gambling school-boys, we cannot pay attention to the moral.
'Eric: or, Little by Little'
A tale of Roslyn School, by Dean Farrar
Adapted for Broadcasting by M. H. Allen.
Presented by E. J. King Bull.
To be broadcast tonight at 8.0. (London Regional tomorrow night)
'The Story of Eric was written with but one single object - the vivid inculcation of inward purity and moral purpose by the history of a boy who, in spite of the inherent nobleness of his disposition, falls into all folly and wickedness....' From the Author's preface, 21st April, 1889.
The play produced by Peter Creswell.
