The fifth in the ‘Patty Fairfield’ series of children’s book by popular author Carolyn Wells, in ‘Patty in Paris’ Patty has finished school and her father is keen for her to continue her education at a finishing school. When the Farringtons invite Patty to spend a few months in Paris with them however, it is too good an opportunity to pass up and Patty jumps at the chance. There is plenty of fun to be had on the transatlantic voyage, and Patty finds herself fending off the attentions of every young man she meets. A delightful addition to the series, ‘Patty in Paris’ also provides a fascinating glimpse of early 20th century Paris.
Carolyn Wells (1862-1942) was a prolific American novelist and poet, best known for her children’s literature, mystery novels and humorous verse. Following school in New Jersey, Wells worked as a librarian, where she developed her love of reading. It was during 1896 that Wells' first book ‘At the Sign of the Sphinx’ was published. From 1900 she dedicated herself to her literary career, writing over 170 novels in total across a range of genres. Some of her most loved works include the ‘Patty Fairfield’ and ‘Marjorie Maynard’ series for girls, as well as the ‘Fleming Stone’ mystery series for adults. Wells is also well-known for her humorous nonsense verse, and was a frequent contributor of verse to magazines. She published an autobiography ‘The Rest of my Life’ in 1937. Wells died in New York City in 1942.