Johanna Louise Heusser[1] began her life on 12 June 1827 in Hirzel, Switzerland. She grew up in Hirzel and attended school in Zurich from 1841 to 1843.
In 1852, she married Johann Bernhard Spyri and became known to us as Johanna Spyri. She was lonely in town and suffered from depression. Her yearning for her childhood was reflected in her writings.
Her first story was published in 1871 and originally was intended for adult readers. Her writings for the next few years were also targeted at adult readers.
It was in 1878 that she wrote for children. Her best known children's story, Heidi, first appeared as Heidi's Years of Apprenticeship and Travel. In 1881, the story was continued as Heidi Applies What She Has Learned.
Johanna Spyri outlived both her ailing son and husband and died on 7 July 1901.
The copyright for her writings had expired and available for free download at Project Gutenberg.[2] Her writings are available for download in both English and German languages.
Below are the excerpts from 2 stories, followed by my comments on them:
Excerpts from Cornelli
"Cornelli," the mother went on calmly, "the ladies told you they saw little horns on your forehead, that got bigger every time you wrinkled up your brow. You are afraid that this is really so and that it is getting worse. You understood it in a way they did not mean. They only wanted to tell you that when you frowned you looked as if you had horns
on your forehead, and they said it to keep you from frowning. They meant well by you, but you misunderstood them. But you can understand me. Just let me help you to be happy again.
My comments
Children are such innocent creatures. They took our jokes and criticisms in a way that we never intend.
Cornelli believed that little horns were growing in her forehead and she made effort to keep her face hidden by her long hair for months. That obviously made her look ridiculous. Her father thought that she was mad.
So folks, before you start to threaten your children about horns growing, devil coming and such nonsense, please give a thought to the feelings of children.
In 1852, she married Johann Bernhard Spyri and became known to us as Johanna Spyri. She was lonely in town and suffered from depression. Her yearning for her childhood was reflected in her writings.
Her first story was published in 1871 and originally was intended for adult readers. Her writings for the next few years were also targeted at adult readers.
It was in 1878 that she wrote for children. Her best known children's story, Heidi, first appeared as Heidi's Years of Apprenticeship and Travel. In 1881, the story was continued as Heidi Applies What She Has Learned.
Johanna Spyri outlived both her ailing son and husband and died on 7 July 1901.
The copyright for her writings had expired and available for free download at Project Gutenberg.[2] Her writings are available for download in both English and German languages.
Below are the excerpts from 2 stories, followed by my comments on them:
Excerpts from Cornelli
"Cornelli," the mother went on calmly, "the ladies told you they saw little horns on your forehead, that got bigger every time you wrinkled up your brow. You are afraid that this is really so and that it is getting worse. You understood it in a way they did not mean. They only wanted to tell you that when you frowned you looked as if you had horns
on your forehead, and they said it to keep you from frowning. They meant well by you, but you misunderstood them. But you can understand me. Just let me help you to be happy again.
My comments
Children are such innocent creatures. They took our jokes and criticisms in a way that we never intend.
Cornelli believed that little horns were growing in her forehead and she made effort to keep her face hidden by her long hair for months. That obviously made her look ridiculous. Her father thought that she was mad.
So folks, before you start to threaten your children about horns growing, devil coming and such nonsense, please give a thought to the feelings of children.
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