Lucy Mangan pens introduction to "forgotten classic" by Noel Streatfeild

Manderley Press has scooped The House in Cornwall by Noel Streatfeild, and will publish a new edition of the children’s book featuring an introduction by Guardian journalist Lucy Mangan.

Publisher Rebeka Russell acquired world English language rights from Julia Churchill at A M Heath Literary Agents, who represents the author’s estate. The book will be published in June. 
The "forgotten children’s classic" is for readers aged eight and over and was first published in 1939 as a serialised story in The Girl’s Own Paper.

The synopsis reads: "The book tells the story of one summer holiday in the life of the four Chandler children, who have been shipped off to stay with a long-lost uncle in Tregon Hall – a grand old house near Truro in Cornwall. Uncle Murdock, of course, turns out to be neither as kindly nor as eccentric as they might have hoped, and when the siblings discover that they are prisoners in their new seaside home, and hear the unmistakable sobs of a crying child at night, adventures ensue – by land, sea and air."

Bill Streatfeild, the author’s nephew, said of the acquisition: "I am truly delighted that Manderley Press is going to publish this book again. I always thought it a rattling good read, with, of course Noel’s amazing ability to tweak one’s heartstrings – and the advantage that girls are key as well as boys.”

Russell added: “This is a thrilling tale of adventure written in Noel Streatfeild’s trademark page-turning style. I visited the author’s archives to uncover more about the book and discovered that unlike other similar children’s books of the era, this rediscovered title is fast-paced and full of suspense, intrigue and drama.”