Arthur Ransome: His books in the modern market

Ransome's book series Swallows and Amazons, considering the direction fiction literature has taken in recent years, probably appeals to an adult readership more so than the younger generation. Sure, the adult book market is filled with hard hitting thrillers, and complicated plots that keep you on the edge of your seat. And yes, adults do read fiction about the intricacies of adult life in between games of Partypoker or on the train to work. The simplicity of Ransome's books though, invoke a reaction unlike any other and are still a popular read for those who want to revisit simpler times. 

With the books targeted at the young being so different now, it is up to parents to keep Arthur's work in our minds. To share the adventures of John, Susan, Titty and Roger. Because the days of swash buckling adventures on the high seas and adventures through the wilderness are dying out. The books written for the young market now are about vampires, boy wizards, the trials and tribulations of life and secret agents. 

The good news is, parents have indeed been sharing Ransome's tales if book sales are anything to go by. Just how well is the Swallows and Amazons series circulating in the modern market and digital age? 

Well, in the Amazon sales chart the original story, Swallows and Amazons is, at the beginning of 2012 sat at number 67 in the Classics category. Now bare in mind that the likes of J.R.R Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, Roald Dahl and CS Lewis's books, which are higher in the chart have had film adaptations released in the last few years, and this is exceptional. And it will no doubt rise thanks to the new version of Swallows and Amazons, that is currently playing in the West End. Directed by Tom Morris, the co-director of the Tony-award-winning War Horse, the play is currently at the Vaudeville Theatre until the 14th January 2012.

One thing is for sure, with Arthur Ransome's biography: The Last Englishman by Roland Chambers selling so well, and with digital copies of his stories available on the Kindle, his beloved books don't look to be going anywhere any time soon.