Richmal Crompton's "William" is known even to those who have never read the books featuring his anarchic exploits. For many, the scruffy, adventurous and exuberant William and his trials and tribulations with the awful Violet Elizabeth and his companions in daring, Ginger, Henry and Douglas remain a part of our childhood. But what do we know of his creator, who always shunned the limelight? So shy of fame was she that, owing to her unusual Christian name, many people thought she was, in fact, a man. In this biography, Mary Cadogan provides a portrait of a witty and talented writer, and a celebration of her works. Fully illustrated with pictures of Richmal and her family - including the brother, nephew and great-nephew who helped inspire William's antics - and the timeless original pictures of William by Thomas Henry.