The Elizabeth Goudge Secret
Should we share these treasured Goudge books?
Keeping Goudge’s Secret
One thing that I have encountered often in the past decade of writing about Goudge’s books, is that some of her most devoted readers have wanted to keep her a secret. Readers have lamented to me, by comments and in messages, that we should not be sharing about her work so publicly because it would drive up the prices of her vintage copies. This motivation has kept even her most devoted readers from recommending Elizabeth Goudge to new readers for fear that there are not enough affordable copies for everyone.
In the modern era, Goudge’s writing has been the property of a select few. Consequently when I tell avid readers about her, they often answer, “How have I never heard about Goudge?!?”
This fear of not being able to afford Goudge’s books has been a real and genuine concern! Her beautiful and comforting way of writing was a balm to so many readers over many decades, but then she went out of print in the 1990’s—until recently. Until just a few years ago, there were several of Goudge’s most successful books that I could not get my hands on to read, even though I was already in full swing of sharing her books with others. She wrote fifteen adult novels, but I could only find a few copies available for her most popular books, such as Green Dolphin Street.
When it came to leading bookclub-style readalongs with other readers online, it became exasperating to not have affordable copies available. Most notably, the Henrietta books (Sister of the Angels and Henrietta’s House), were only to be found in very expensive out-of-print copies by Girls Gone By Publishers on EBay, listed at well over one hundred dollars! So it is not a surprise that real, vintage copies of Goudge’s books are passed from mother to daughter, and friend to friend. They have been spoken of only in private, in many cases, simply for fear of the wider public finding out about their worth and beauty.
What changed?
There are still Goudge readers that mistakenly think we should keep her works as a secret.
But here is what everyone misses: Elizabeth Goudge is back in print!
When I first led a Goudge Readalong of Sister of the Angels just five years ago in 2020, there were very few readers who could participate. There were no books available for purchase. But in the past few months, I have led dozens of people together in reading the Henrietta books, and anyone who wants a copy can buy one for about $20, including shipping, world-wide.
Time to buy Goudge books
In order for her books to survive into the next century, Elizabeth Goudge’s books should be bought in new editions and read, so that they continue to be in print for the next generation.
They are now published by Penguin, Hodder Books, Godine, Henrickson Publishers, and the independent Girls Gone By Publishers.
Let’s work together to make Goudge a best-selling author again, a century later.
What can we do?
Buying new, affordable copies of her works in print from publishers will tell them that we value her writing, and that we think it is worth reading! Fortunately, this is a great time to buy books by Elizabeth Goudge!
Goudge is back in print!
Here are current listings for Elizabeth Goudge books in print.
Adult Fiction:
Elizabeth Goudge wrote 15 adult books and they are all currently in print!
If the above listings should change or look unreliable, these Goudge books can all be found on Blackwells, Henrickson Publishers, and Amazon.
Children’s Books:
Elizabeth Goudge wrote 7 children’s book and they are all currently in print!
If the above listings should change or look unreliable, all of Goudge’s children books are currently available on Girls Gone By Publishers, Blackwells, Godine, Amazon
Which Goudge books have you treasured as a secret pleasure? Are they back in print? Love to hear!
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*Amazon Affiliate links are included in this newsletter. I make a few cents per recommendation, each of which I hope will be helpful to you. Note: only Amazon links are affliates! I am not an affiliate with any other publisher listed, including GGBP or Blackwells.
Love this. I think it is important to share these timeless writers. I will for sure be diving into Elizabeth Goudges works.
You know that I have contemplated "losing" a valuable book or two of Goudge's from my local library, but alas I could not go through with it! I'm loving collecting her books - and have found one or two at low prices in a thrift shop! I'm so thankful you aren't hiding the Elizabeth Goudge light under your bushel, Julie!