The Shuttle

Frances Hodgson Burnett

11/2007 · Cosimo, Inc.

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First published in 1906, The Shuttle is a story of American industry. Rosalie Vanderpoel, daughter of a wealthy American, marries into a British family of aristocrats, only to discover how truly impoverished-both in money and character-that class had become. After many years with her deplorable husband, she is unable to contact her family back home. Suspicions grow, and Rosalie's sister Bettina heads to England to find out what has happened. Bettina is a smart, modern, witty woman who epitomizes the American character of industriousness and energy. She knows what she wants and has the power and money to go after it. Bettina's money and spunk revitalize the English society she comes in contact with, suggesting on a larger scale that what Britain needs to improve its future is to adopt an American mentality.Those interested in women's literature as well as anyone looking to rekindle their pride in the American spirit will find this an enjoyable read.English author FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT (1849-1924) moved to America in 1865. She became a writer in order to support her siblings after her parents died. Among her most famous works are Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886) and The Secret Garden (1909).

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Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote for children and adults, publishing both plays and novels. She was born in Manchester, England, on November 24, 1849. Her father, who owned a furniture store, died when she was only four years old. Her mother struggled to keep the family business running while trying to raise five children. Finally, because of the failing Manchester economy, the family sold the store and immigrated to the United States. In 1865 they settled just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. Hoping to offset her family's continuing financial troubles, Burnett began to submit her stories to women's magazines. She was immediately successful. In the late 1860s her stories were published in nearly every popular American magazine. Burnett helped to support her family with income from the sale of her stories, even saving enough to finance a trip back to England, where she stayed for over a year. In 1879, Burnett published her first stories for children; two of her most popular are A Little Princess and The Secret Garden. In contrast to an extremely successful career, Burnett's personal life held many challenges. Her son Lionel was diagnosed with tuberculosis at age 15, from which he never recovered. His death inspired several stories about dead or dying children. Burnett lived her later years on Long Island, New York. She died in 1924.