cyphomandra

I've been reading pre-1950s school stories for years (predominantly British or Commonwealth) and find them soothing, in similar ways to detective stories and other strongly formulaic genres; some transcend the form, some exemplify it, some have occasional good bits and some fail completely (there's also the entertainingly bad form). I do find them interesting as social history as well, in terms of what's expected and what isn't, although attitudes and expectations can sometimes be a bit difficult to calmly accept (class particularly in these ones, although gender sometimes gets a little bit of consideration).

( Margaret Biggs, The Blakes come to Melling (re-read). )
( Margaret Biggs, The new prefect at Melling (re-read) )
( Margaret Biggs, Last term for Helen (re-read). )
( Margaret Biggs, The head girl at Melling (re-read). )
( Margaret Biggs, Summer term at Melling (re-read). )
( Margaret Biggs, Susan in the sixth (re-read). )
( Margaret Biggs, Changes at Melling. )

( Angela Brazil, The youngest girl in the fifth. )
( Angela Brazil, Monitoress Merle. )

( Dorothea Moore, Tenth at Trinders. )

( Helen Barber, A Chalet School Headmistress (re-read) )

( Elinor M. Brent-Dyer, Janie Steps In. )