M.E. Frances Parker: A Comprehensive Bibliography of Works

M.E. Frances Parker: A Comprehensive Bibliography of Works

The literary output of M.E. Frances Parker spans several decades and genres, showcasing a versatile command of language across poetry, prose, and non-fiction. From early experimental short stories to curated collections of poetry, the body of work reflects a steady evolution in style and thematic focus.

Key Facts

  • Published across four primary genres: poetry, novels, short fiction, and non-fiction.
  • Early works were often published under the name M.E. Frances Parker.
  • Significant collaborations include editions edited by Charles Causley, Anne Stevenson, and Jeremy Hooker.
  • Works were published by various prestigious houses, including Enitharmon Press and Methuen Press.

Poetic Contributions

Poetry serves as a cornerstone of the author's legacy, with a series of collections published between 1946 and 1975. These works often explored evocative imagery and rhythmic structures.

The journey began with Plash Mill (1946), followed by The Brightening Cloud and Other Poems (1949) and The Stone Angel and the Stone Man (1958). Later years saw the release of The Stuttering Water and Other Poems (1970) and The First-Known and Other Poems (1975).

To preserve the author's poetic legacy, two major Selected Poems volumes were released: one edited by Charles Causley in 1970 and another in 1986, edited by Anne Stevenson with an introduction by Robert Gittings.

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Novels and Short Fiction

In addition to poetry, the author ventured into longer narrative forms and concise storytelling. The novels Shadowy Bricks (1932) and Hath the Rain a Father? (1946) represent the author's exploration of novelistic structures.

The short fiction catalog is extensive, beginning with The Unspoiled (1928), published under the name M.E. Frances Parker. This was followed by several themed collections: Come to an End and Other Stories (1939), The Acorn and the Cup with Other Stories (1948), and A Breathless Child and Other Stories (1952). A comprehensive volume of Selected Stories, edited by Jeremy Hooker, was published in 1986.

Non-Fiction and Ephemera

The author's intellectual curiosity extended to non-fiction and shorter, occasional pieces known as ephemera (items of collectible memorabilia that were typically short-lived). Early non-fiction includes Perhaps? (1927) and a 1931 pamphlet titled The Neighbours.

A notable example of the author's later short-form work is A Possible Prayer on New Year's Day, published in 1972 by Daedalus Press for Enitharmon Press.

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Summary of Published Works

Chronological Overview of Literary Works by Genre
Genre Notable Title Year Publisher
Non-fiction Perhaps? 1927 Fowler Wright
Short Fiction The Unspoiled 1928 Fowler Wright
Novel Shadowy Bricks 1932 Richard Clay & Sons
Poetry Plash Mill 1946 Peter Davies
Poetry The First-Known and Other Poems 1975 Enitharmon Press

Frequently Asked Questions

Under what name were the earliest works published?

The earliest works, such as Perhaps? (1927) and The Unspoiled (1928), were published under the name M.E. Frances Parker.

Who edited the Selected Poems collections?

The 1970 Selected Poems were edited by Charles Causley, while the 1986 edition was edited by Anne Stevenson and featured an introduction by Robert Gittings.

What is the most recent poetry collection mentioned?

The most recent original poetry collection listed is The First-Known and Other Poems, published in 1975 by Enitharmon Press.

Did the author write any non-fiction?

Yes, the author wrote Perhaps? in 1927 and a pamphlet titled The Neighbours in 1931.

Who edited the Selected Stories volume?

The Selected Stories volume, published in 1986 by Enitharmon Press, was edited by Jeremy Hooker.