After waiting nearly 3 weeks for it to arrive and just about giving up any hope (Don't you just love Royal Mail) I have finally got (or at least think so) my final Pat Leitch title to complete my collection...unless of course she writes any more that is. I have been trying to find out a little about the author but apart from the short bibliographies in the front/back of a few books...mainly Jinny's and American editions of Kestrels series (they call them horseshoes and changed some titles....which i only found out after spending a fortune on a set from states). The only other info I could find was from a vegetarian society site.....she is a vegan and big on animal rights...themes which are strong in many of her books in particular the Jinny series...I wonder if Ken was based on herself maybe? Celtic/Arabic/Buddhist mythology and philosophy are also often referred to. I also found out that the horse on the front of most of the 80's covers (as in the top pic) is Coombe Farm Arabians stallion 'The Prince Of Orange', which they have confirmed.
The most interesting thing for me is as to whether Pat Leitch is her real name or not...I assume so.....and why she wrote her first 4 books under the (assumed) pseudonym Jane Eliot? Most people assume the Collins pony lib editions of Jacky Jumps to The top, Afraid to Ride and First Pony are first editions but they were all released in the late 60's under the pseudonym as paperbacks by Spitfire books. There was also the extremely rare title Pony club Camp, which is the one I have just managed to acquire. As far as I am aware no others were wrote under this name and Pony Club Camp was never released under Pat Leitch, unlike the others. I have not read it yet so am hoping it hasn't had a name change. More on that next time........I am having a break from pony books and reading Trebizon at minute but need to get my hands on unforgettable fifth and secret letters, if any one can help.
6 comments:
I didn't realise she had an alter ego...I will have to look out for that one...I thought I had them all. Any tips on finding a copy?
Thanks for the link regarding the horse on the Jinny covers. But I do wonder why they chose a stallion when Shantih was a mare? It's sad but i often wonder who the horses/ponies on book covers are so it's nice to put a name to one.
I'm afraid mine was a very lucky find on an independent book seller's site. There is one on Abe but it's £25. It is a dinky pocket book so probably appears worthless unless in the know and that is how I got mine for the pricely sum of £1.50
I like the idea of putting a nmae to the horses on books too. But why did they use a stallion...no wonder there are only head on and angled full body shots!
There were only four published as pocket books by Spitfire as Jane Eliot.
Pony Club Camp
Jacky Jumps To The Top
Afraid to Ride
First Pony
Pony Club Camp was never republished.
Blimey ! I picked up Spitfire copies of 'Pony Club Camp' and 'First Pony' from a charity shop about three years ago. They were abput 25p each.
After getting the Collins edition of 'First Pony', and seeing how much more there is in the story, I assumed the Spitfire editions were cut down editions of the longer books. I've been hoping there's a longer version of 'Pony Club Camp' out there somewhere, but I guess not. What a shame.
Sorry part of first comment didn't make sense!!
Gillian, now that is interesting.....I only have a spitfire of Camp so haven't seen the others...are they def abridged? If so it does make you wonder if longer versions are out there to be found....or have you solved the mystery? Could she have changed her name and publisher to get the full versions out there?
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