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Beatrix Potter's Journal
This lavish, illustrated journal describes Beatrix Potter’s life as a young woman in Victorian England as she struggles to achieve independence and to find artistic success and romantic love.
Using witty, observant commentary taken from Beatrix’s own diaries, the journal features a wealth of watercolor paintings, sketches, photographs, letters and period memorabilia to recreate the world in which she lived.
Using witty, observant commentary taken from Beatrix’s own diaries, the journal features a wealth of watercolor paintings, sketches, photographs, letters and period memorabilia to recreate the world in which she lived.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 26, 2007
One of Annie's sweet Christmas presents to me this year. I absolutely love it!!! In addition to being an interesting, charming story ((of Beatrix's youth, her dabblings with writing and drawing, her literary aspirations, her friendships and romances, etc.) strung together with snippits from Beatrix's journal, sketches and photographs, the book itself is sooo pretty and so very neat--almost like a very artsy and grown-up pop-up book, it contains an envelope with a letter inside that one can withdraw to read the story of Peter Rabbit that Beatrix first wrote to her former governess' child, a copy of the program from an art exhibition that thrilled a teenage Beatrix, a little paper "locket" with a photograph of Beatrix and of Norman inside, a little game of Peter Rabbit that she made for her friends, etc. It even includes a facsimile of the copy of "Peter Rabbit" that Beatrix paid to have printed, which she distributed to her friends and family, before it was accepted by a "real publisher" and became a mega-best-seller! Such a sweet little book, and while I'm not sure whether the journal excerpts are verbatim by Beatrix, they are still charming and provide a glimpse into the real-life world of this beloved author. Please don't miss exploring this delightful volume!!! And, THANK YOU, Annie!!! :-D
April 12, 2019
This journal, completed in Beatrix Potter's own handwriting, is a lavish production that includes pieces of memorabilia as well, such as letters from Beatrix, photographs of family, her farms and friends and a mourning card for the man she originally intended to marry, Norman Warne, a member of her publishing house.
In addition there are plenty of illustrations to adorn the very personal text that litters the book. Beatrix was 16 when she decided to start what she called her diary, the reason being that she was 'beginning to feel the peaceful time of childhood was ending and I foresaw changes in my life'.
She begins by featuring the family members and the family homes, one in Kensington and one, a holiday home, in Scotland. And she tells that she spent much of her time in the household schoolroom with her brother Bertram where she was drawing and studying their collection of animals.
Her idea of art was raised when she attended an Exhibition of works by Old Masters, particularly picking out pictures by Angelica Kauffmann, which she felt 'shows what a woman can do'. It also made her resolve, 'I WILL do something sooner or later.'
From 1883 to 1885 she worked hard at painting and her school report under the heading Natural Sciences stated, 'Beatrix shows real aptitude here, and her love of the natural world is unsurpassed.' There follows an interesting account of Jubilee Year, 1887, before in 1890 she designed some rabbit-based Christmas cards and this led to her entering the world of business for she received a cheque for £6 for her efforts.
After spending the summer of 1892 in Scotland, and honing her images of future characters from both humans and animals around her, she began to work in earnest in 1893 and 1894. She accumulated sketches and words, even when spending the summers in a new location, the Lake District, that was later to feature large in her life.
Then in 1901 Frederick Warne and Co were interested in her 'Tale of Peter Rabbit' that she had privately printed for her own use at a cost of £17 for 250 copies. The book went well among friends and relatives. Warne returned to the charge, asked her to illustrate an edition for his firm in colour and the Beatrix Potter story began. 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' appeared in the shops in October 1902 and Norman Warne agreed a deal for two books in 1903. This agreement meant that she dealt directly with Norman and their friendship blossomed.
Success followed success and she was writing in her diary, 'As soon as I finished one book I started another, and I always had at least two in hand at any time.' Before too long she had seven books in print and 'they all seem to be doing very well'.
The in July 1905 Norman asked her to marry him and, against her parents best wishes, she agreed. Sadly Norman was to die in September of that year but, despite later marrying her agent, William Heelis, in the Lake District, she never forgot Norman.
She bought Hill Top Farm in the Lake District in October 1905 and she developed her farm and later purchased a second one while all the time being conscious of rural planning in the area.
Her journal ends with a fitting comment, 'If I have done anything, even a little, to help small children enjoy honest, simple pleasures, I have done a bit of good.' An understatement if ever there was one and a suitable way to end an absolutely fascinating and beautifully designed book.
In addition there are plenty of illustrations to adorn the very personal text that litters the book. Beatrix was 16 when she decided to start what she called her diary, the reason being that she was 'beginning to feel the peaceful time of childhood was ending and I foresaw changes in my life'.
She begins by featuring the family members and the family homes, one in Kensington and one, a holiday home, in Scotland. And she tells that she spent much of her time in the household schoolroom with her brother Bertram where she was drawing and studying their collection of animals.
Her idea of art was raised when she attended an Exhibition of works by Old Masters, particularly picking out pictures by Angelica Kauffmann, which she felt 'shows what a woman can do'. It also made her resolve, 'I WILL do something sooner or later.'
From 1883 to 1885 she worked hard at painting and her school report under the heading Natural Sciences stated, 'Beatrix shows real aptitude here, and her love of the natural world is unsurpassed.' There follows an interesting account of Jubilee Year, 1887, before in 1890 she designed some rabbit-based Christmas cards and this led to her entering the world of business for she received a cheque for £6 for her efforts.
After spending the summer of 1892 in Scotland, and honing her images of future characters from both humans and animals around her, she began to work in earnest in 1893 and 1894. She accumulated sketches and words, even when spending the summers in a new location, the Lake District, that was later to feature large in her life.
Then in 1901 Frederick Warne and Co were interested in her 'Tale of Peter Rabbit' that she had privately printed for her own use at a cost of £17 for 250 copies. The book went well among friends and relatives. Warne returned to the charge, asked her to illustrate an edition for his firm in colour and the Beatrix Potter story began. 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' appeared in the shops in October 1902 and Norman Warne agreed a deal for two books in 1903. This agreement meant that she dealt directly with Norman and their friendship blossomed.
Success followed success and she was writing in her diary, 'As soon as I finished one book I started another, and I always had at least two in hand at any time.' Before too long she had seven books in print and 'they all seem to be doing very well'.
The in July 1905 Norman asked her to marry him and, against her parents best wishes, she agreed. Sadly Norman was to die in September of that year but, despite later marrying her agent, William Heelis, in the Lake District, she never forgot Norman.
She bought Hill Top Farm in the Lake District in October 1905 and she developed her farm and later purchased a second one while all the time being conscious of rural planning in the area.
Her journal ends with a fitting comment, 'If I have done anything, even a little, to help small children enjoy honest, simple pleasures, I have done a bit of good.' An understatement if ever there was one and a suitable way to end an absolutely fascinating and beautifully designed book.
July 20, 2009
The lay-out of this lovely book does it all for me! I love scrapbooking, and looking at the way in which this book's letters, notelets and drawings have been placed (presumably at quite some expense) fascinates. It also contains all sorts of little details about Beatrix Potter that were unknown to me. To me she's always been the creator of Peter Rabbit, a tale we listened to on LPs for ages when we were small. It would also be really interesting to hear what today's feminists would have to say to the way in which her parents basically kept her captive in their house, preventing her from marrying at the 'normal' age.
August 25, 2016
Truly delightful! Really enjoyed reading/going through it. :)
August 13, 2019
A sweet, playful look at the life of a fascinating woman. As a child, I was highly suspicious of books that were marketed as biographies (they always seemed like some grown-up ploy), but this one would have enchanted even me.
August 18, 2017
A lovely children's gift book detailing the artist's road to success with vintage reproductions of letters, photographs, and drawings.
January 4, 2020
I wrote a review, stupid system didn't save.
Basically, this is a sweet introduction for a newbie like me into her life with the added bonus of the interactiveness.
Basically, this is a sweet introduction for a newbie like me into her life with the added bonus of the interactiveness.
February 22, 2022
I owned this book as a very young child and completely forgot about it until now.
Let me preface this with saying: extremely biased review ahead.
1) Because, nostalgia (my childhood bedroom literally had Beatrix Potter designed wallpaper around it)
and
2) Because...frickin Beatrix Potter is a just such a wholesome person...
Seriously, as a kid, she was my literary hero. She got rejected so many times by publishers, she went the self-publishing route, gave her little books out to friends and family and SHOWED the publishers (with your classic amount of poised but salty Beatrix sass) that she was an EXCELLENT investment.
I mean, this lady is the BOMB. I won't pretend as if her life didn't have its hardships, no one's life is all sunflowers and ponies or whatever , but jeeezums. She's still awesome.
She's basically living proof that you can:
A) Be a successful woman author based solely off your own merit and writing ability
B) Be an absolutely awesome artist (her sketches are included in the book and boy would it not be the same book without them)
C) Be intelligent without formal education
D) LIVING PROOF THAT ART CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE AND BE BEAUTIFUL AND WORTHWHILE AND BRING JOY TO PEOPLE EVEN THOUGH MODERN SOCIETY DOES NOT APPRECIATE ART MUCH ANY MORE
E) Be a science, AND an art, AND a literary person
F) Become a successful businesswoman
G) Love and be a gift to children even if you don't have children yourself
Yep. This lady was awesome. She is a personal hero. She even wrote her own version of BLUEBEARD. Mkay, she was so incredibly talented...I aspire to be someone as talented as she was, one day. She managed to use her gifts to bring joy to TONS of people, adults and children alike. And yes, she loved rabbits, but she also loved bats and lizards and all sorts of creatures.
Beatrix Potter was 10/10 wholesome and wonderful.
Basically: 10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK
Let me preface this with saying: extremely biased review ahead.
1) Because, nostalgia (my childhood bedroom literally had Beatrix Potter designed wallpaper around it)
and
2) Because...frickin Beatrix Potter is a just such a wholesome person...
Seriously, as a kid, she was my literary hero. She got rejected so many times by publishers, she went the self-publishing route, gave her little books out to friends and family and SHOWED the publishers (with your classic amount of poised but salty Beatrix sass) that she was an EXCELLENT investment.
I mean, this lady is the BOMB. I won't pretend as if her life didn't have its hardships, no one's life is all sunflowers and ponies or whatever , but jeeezums. She's still awesome.
She's basically living proof that you can:
A) Be a successful woman author based solely off your own merit and writing ability
B) Be an absolutely awesome artist (her sketches are included in the book and boy would it not be the same book without them)
C) Be intelligent without formal education
D) LIVING PROOF THAT ART CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE AND BE BEAUTIFUL AND WORTHWHILE AND BRING JOY TO PEOPLE EVEN THOUGH MODERN SOCIETY DOES NOT APPRECIATE ART MUCH ANY MORE
E) Be a science, AND an art, AND a literary person
F) Become a successful businesswoman
G) Love and be a gift to children even if you don't have children yourself
Yep. This lady was awesome. She is a personal hero. She even wrote her own version of BLUEBEARD. Mkay, she was so incredibly talented...I aspire to be someone as talented as she was, one day. She managed to use her gifts to bring joy to TONS of people, adults and children alike. And yes, she loved rabbits, but she also loved bats and lizards and all sorts of creatures.
Beatrix Potter was 10/10 wholesome and wonderful.
Basically: 10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK
May 16, 2008
Absolutely loved this book! I'm a huge Peter Rabbit fan from way back. I always check out the little Beatrix Potter books at my Elem. school library. Once I lost one. Total shame consumed me - my mom is a school library assistant. It was finally found in my ballet bag. I felt so bad for depriving my library of it.
Anyways, this journal is just the thing for fans. Yes it's a "work of fiction based on Potter's journals" but it's still lovely. And anything that is nice to look at, pleasant to read AND has little things to flip up and doors to open is tops in my book!
Anyways, this journal is just the thing for fans. Yes it's a "work of fiction based on Potter's journals" but it's still lovely. And anything that is nice to look at, pleasant to read AND has little things to flip up and doors to open is tops in my book!
February 14, 2010
I read a short article about Beatrix Potter's biography, and intrigued I put this book on hold at the library. I was expecting a straight laced adult book; however, to the delight of the child in me who misses books with flaps and removable items, and the relief of the adult in me who desires adult content, I was appeased in both areas. This is a really pleasant short read, which focuses on a few of Beatrix's journal entries that highlight major events in her life, particularly her struggles to get Peter Rabbit published, while also admiring her wonderful drawings and sketches.
June 19, 2012
It was not nearly long enough! Beautiful pictures and fun to read, in a diary form, mostly excerpts from letters, I believe.
Tells how Peter Rabitt was born, and in the back, tucked away, is a copy of the book, as it first appeared. Three dimensional cut outs are entertaining. Not a book for little ones, too easy to tear. Makes you want to read more about Beatrix Potter, in fact, I am glad I knew something of her world before reading--more like experiencing--this book. It just whets your appetite. Very nicely done.
Tells how Peter Rabitt was born, and in the back, tucked away, is a copy of the book, as it first appeared. Three dimensional cut outs are entertaining. Not a book for little ones, too easy to tear. Makes you want to read more about Beatrix Potter, in fact, I am glad I knew something of her world before reading--more like experiencing--this book. It just whets your appetite. Very nicely done.
April 2, 2015
This isn't really a book you read per se - it hasn't got much content at all. The real attraction lies in the design - it's like a scrapbook filled with little pockets full of surprises (photographs, letters, tiny books) and it's got a lot of textures and it's all around lovely. I enjoyed this so much, even more than a Beatrix Potter book, actually. It's a book I'll cherish forever as a source of inspiration for my own diary.
January 5, 2010
I have been a massive fan of Beatrix Potter's works my entire life (and I seriously mean since birth), a person whose works have inspired me greatly, thus this quite short but great overview of her journals, work and life is great. If you're a fan of Beatrix Potter, and/or her works you'll love this.
April 25, 2009
What an amazing book, especially production-wise! The paper engineering is fantastic. The book draws together Beatrix Potter's letters, journal entries, drawings, photographs and other paraphernalia, and presents them chronologically. Must be seen to be appreciated. Recommended!
September 28, 2019
This scrapbook with Potter's journal, letters and photos is charming and poignant.
December 13, 2009
Adorable! It's so precious, and very fun to open letters and look at photographs and things. Lovely is the word that comes to mind.
September 11, 2010
This is a really amazing scrapbook style book that features photos and knick-knacks, old letters and memorablia from the author's life. I loved it!
January 4, 2020
I stayed in bed this morning - so comfortable - and read this wonderful journal - incredible art work and facts and memorabilia - best of all the story of the lady and her books.
August 11, 2020
This book is a collection of Beatrix's drawings, thoughts and ideas for her little books that are loved by so many. She was a lover and observer of nature and natural things and this journal give you insights into her personal life as a young woman in Victorian England.
If you are beginning to thing of keeping creative journals this one would be a nice example for you to look at and gather inspiration from. I read and looked through it several times before checking it back into the library!
If you are beginning to thing of keeping creative journals this one would be a nice example for you to look at and gather inspiration from. I read and looked through it several times before checking it back into the library!
May 18, 2024
lovely book made to look like Beatrix Potters own journal. This book was made with excretes from her real life journals as well as her drawings. it is a glimpse into the life and mind of a beloved children's author who also helped to preserve the English country side.
August 9, 2017
A delightful scrapbook recreation of her original book. So sweet!
January 28, 2018
A wonderful book.
July 8, 2021
I loved this edition and really enjoy reading it . Loved the pictures and photos and reading all about her and her life .🙂
September 18, 2022
Beatrix Potter - A Journal was amazing, it was magical and so interesting and loving. She explains how and why she created the wonderful many many books. A must for adults as well as children.
April 14, 2023
Enjoyed reading about Beatrix Potter’s live through reading her own words.
December 12, 2025
A true treat for Beatrix's Potter fans. Each page is exciting with letter, notes, photos and fun information about her and her life.
April 27, 2012
Beautiful book which would make a perfect gift for a Beatrix Potter fan. Extracts of letters and journal entries with illustrations, photos and lots of wonderful discoveries to make (flaps to lift, letters in envelopes, maps and more - even a secret bonus surprise to find).
There's not huge amounts of text - it took me an hour to read through thoroughly but it's a beautiful book all the same. Being a fan of the film Miss Potter I'd wanted more of the inside story and I got a taste of that. But a biography might give more insight to the story of her life, this book conjures the pictures of what was important to Beatrix.
There's not huge amounts of text - it took me an hour to read through thoroughly but it's a beautiful book all the same. Being a fan of the film Miss Potter I'd wanted more of the inside story and I got a taste of that. But a biography might give more insight to the story of her life, this book conjures the pictures of what was important to Beatrix.
May 23, 2016
This is a beautiful book. Unfortunately or fortunately, it is a children's book about Beatrix Potter. Fashioned in such a beautiful way as to draw in children and adults who fancy whimsy, the illustrations and tactile elements of this book really add to the enjoyment of this book. It contains excerpts of journal entries from Potter and gives an overview of her life. If you are looking for an in-depth, more serious journal, this is not the choice but this is a sweet treasure if you are a Beatrix Potter fan.
January 11, 2008
I recently became a Beatrix Potter fan after seeing the movie "Miss Potter". I loved looking through this journal which is cleverly put together with ticket stubs, sketches, letters, and many other memorabilia from her life. It even has a copy of "The Adventures of Peter Rabbit" in the back. It was fun to learn her story in this condensed, but colorful scrapbook-type book.
October 24, 2008
I really enjoyed the movie "Miss Potter". I loved looking through this journal which is creatively put together with memorabilia from the life of Beatrix Potter. I longed for more of her personal memories and insights as would have been in a "real" diary, but this book is fun and does help you get to know this amazing woman...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews