The Horned Man; Or, Whom Will You Send To Fetch Her Away?

by Lucy M. Boston

A play set in the Fen country of England during the reign of James I, concerning a witchcraft trial.

98 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Lucy M. Boston (1892–1990), born Lucy Maria Wood, was an English novelist who wrote for children and adults, publishing her work entirely after the age of 60. She is best known for her "Green Knowe" series: six low fantasy children's novels published by Faber between 1954 and 1976. The setting is Green Knowe, an old country manor house based on Boston's Cambridgeshire home at Hemingford Grey. For the fourth book in the series, A Stranger at Green Knowe (1961), she won the annual Carnegie Medal from the Library Association, recognising the year's best children's book by a British subject.[1]

During her long life, she distinguished herself as a writer, mainly of children’s books, and as the creator of a magical garden. She was also an accomplished artist who had studied drawing and painting in Vienna, and a needlewoman who produced a series of patchworks.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in England's Fen country during the reign of James I, this play by the author of the beloved children's classic, The Children of Green Knowe , follows the story of a witchcraft trial. When Sir Martin Westbury's daughters lodge a false complaint of witchcraft against an indigent old woman, they soon find themselves caught up in a conflict that involves their entire family.

Reminiscent in many ways of Arthur Miller's classic drama The Crucible , Boston's work explores the complicated personal and cultural factors that contribute to mass hysteria. Unlike its famous counterpart however, "The Horned Man" does contain real witches... in the form of the prosecutor himself, Mr. Simon Upjohn.

I am currently working my way through L.M. Boston's works, or I might never have come across this obscure play, long out-of-print. I enjoyed it enough that I would recommend others to read it, should they come across it. I'm not sure, however, that it was brilliant enough to expend great effort in seeking it out.