The Secret Garden Paperback - 1994

About this book

From the rear cover

A writer of popular stories for children and adults, Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) was regarded as "a born storyteller," with a talent for creating memorable characters whose state of affairs frequently improved as the narrative progressed. The Secret Garden, one of her best-loved works for young readers, is such a tale.
In it, Mary Lennox, an overindulged child suddenly orphaned, is almost magically transformed into an agreeable child when she comes to live at Misselthwaite Manor, the gloomy Yorkshire estate owned by her reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven. With the help of Dickon, an unusual local youngster with the ability to charm nature, Mary not only manages to bring life and beauty to the secret garden -- abandoned years ago when the mistress of the manor was fatally injured there -- but also persuades Colin, her uncle's frail son, to lead a normal life.
A repeated success on the motion-picture screen and the theatrical stage, this classic children's story is sure to charm new generations of readers.

First Edition Identification

The book was first published by Heinemann in London in 1911 with illustrations by Charles Heath Robinson as a British edition.  The first American edition was published by Fredrick A Stokes and Company with illustration by Maria Louise Kirk. 

The original British edition features green cloth with gilt titles & decoration to the upperboard and spine. This can be identified by a publication date on the front panel.

The First American released two editions simultaneously, one featuring the publisher’s green cloth with illustration only on the upper board and gilt lettering to the spine. The other in blue cloth without illustrations.