Before Scarlett: Girlhood Writings of Margaret Mitchell [Hardcover]

Mary Rose Taylor (Author)

Book Description

These journal entries and fiction pieces paint a picture of a precocious, imaginative young girl growing up in early twentieth century Atlanta, a member of a family that was considered part of the city's 'old guard'. The Mitchell family lived in a sprawling, two-story Victorian home with a deep, cool porch where Margaret liked to sit and read. When she was 12, Margaret's family moved to a Colonial Revival-style mansion situated on a fashionable stretch of Peachtree Street. The budding writer made fast friends with a tight-knit group of boys and girls in her new neighbourhood and school, and many of her writings were about the exploits of her gang. Later, at the Washington Seminary, school for girls, Mitchell was president of the literary society, literary editor of the yearbook, and acted in several drama club productions. 'It's really amazing, the way Margaret could write without making corrections, even at such a young age.' says Eskridge. 'She was just a wonderful storyteller, and this collection fleshes in parts of her life that nobody has ever had access to before. I think it will inspire many people to go back and read 'G one With the Wind', and learn more about Mitchell as a person. I especially hope young adults enjoy the book, too and draw inspiration from Margaret's early frustrations vis-a-vis the ultimate success she enjoyed. Hopefully, this collection will inspire the next Margaret Mitchell.'<

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Great insight into her natural talent." -- Minneapolis Star-Tribune

"It is amazing to think that a girl at such a tender age wrote these stories." -- Richmond Times-Dispatch

"Like discovering the secret diary of Scarlett O'Hara." -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Provies a comprehensive portrait of the celebrated author's early life. -- Publishers Weekly, May, 29, 2000

From the Inside Flap

The first scribblings from the author of Gone with the Wind, highlighting her natural talent and curiosity --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Hill Street Press (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892514621
• ISBN-13: 978-1892514622
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #469,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Completely charming, May 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Before Scarlett: Girlhood Writings of Margaret Mitchell (Hardcover)

This book gives a completely charming view into the young mind and creative spirit of one of my most beloved writers. Margaret Mitchell, at age ten, was writing more compelling, more exciting fiction than writers with a lifetime of practice. The pictures, many of which I've never seen before, are many and well chosen. The story of how these writings were discovered--in moldering boxes in a soggy Atlanta basement--is enough to make the heart of any "Antiques Roadshow" fan leap! Highly recommended!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Window to Old Atlanta, May 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Before Scarlett: Girlhood Writings of Margaret Mitchell (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful companion to Margaret Mitchell's writings. If you like to collect MM, this is a must-have. The pictures and print are in a sepia tone. The text is entertaining & intelligent. It is also an insightful look into old Atlanta.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Addition to the Collection, February 28, 2001

By 

Theresa Mcdonald "Terri McDonald" (new orleans) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Before Scarlett: Girlhood Writings of Margaret Mitchell (Hardcover)

I have been a fan of Gone With the Wind and Margarett Mitchell since I was a junior in high school, the same year the book celebrated its 50th anniversary. Since then I have re-read GWTW (many times) and anything else I have been able to get my hands on pertaining to GWTW and Margaret Mitchell and I have to say this book was a great find!

The actual writings are a bit hard to follow as there are bits and pieces - and in some cases whole chapters missing, but all and all it is a very nice glimpse of her talent and love of writing even at a very early age. What I was most impressed with were the pictures and background information provided about Ms. Mitchell's life and life in Atlanta at the time. The physical quality of the book is very nice as well - the pages are a slick heavy stock paper and the deckled eges were a very nice touch. I have no complaints and can only hope that somewhere in the recesses of another old building in Atlanta there are more such treasures to be found.