The author whose brilliance gave us "Binkie" and "Nicky" may be counted upon for a succession of amusing incidents, a high standard of character drawing, and in 'The First Fifth Form' she more than maintains her reputation. Pat, Grace, the Parker-Pratts and Betsey are living persons whom we know intimately long before the Fifth Form has risen to its full dignity. In the process Winkle and Betsey show up with startling effect, while Pat patiently works, by turns aided and hindered by Grace, but always up against the self-conceit of the Parker-Pratts. The intriguing history of the Shakespeare Garden and the remarkable incident of the unofficial "Sports" are only two points in a book which every girl will read with delight.
Author
Born in Leamington Spa, in 1885, British children's author Constance Evelyn Smith was the daughter of Henry Bartlett Smith, high bailiff of Warwickshire County Court, and his wife, Eleanor Langford. She was educated at Leamington High School (now known as the Kingsley School), and at Royal Holloway College, where she graduated with first class honors in English, in 1907. She taught at Glasgow High School from 1909-1923, until ill health forced her into an early retirement. She turned to writing at this period, and edited plays and collections of poetry, in addition to publishing her girls' school stories. She died of pneumonia in 1928. Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
