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Humphrey Carpenter

Author

About Humphrey Carpenter

Humphrey Carpenter (1946-2005), the author and creator of Mr Majeika, was born and educated in Oxford. He went to a school called the Dragon School where exciting things often happened and there were some very odd teachers - you could even call it magical! He worked for the BBC then became a full-time writer in 1975, and he was the author of many award-winning biographies, including books about J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Benjamin Britten and Spike Milligan.
As well as the Mr Majeika titles, his children's books also included Shakespeare Without the Boring Bits and More Shakespeare Without the Boring Bits. He wrote plays for radio and theatre and founded the children's drama group The Mushy Pea Theatre Company. He played the tuba, double bass, bass saxophone and keyboard.
Humphrey once said, 'The nice thing about being a writer is that you can make magic happen without learning tricks. Words are the only tricks you need. I can write: "He floated up to the ceiling, and a baby rabbit came out of his pocket, grew wings and flew away." And you will believe that it really happened! That's magic, isn't it?'

Humphrey Carpenter books

Recent updates about Humphrey Carpenter

World Circus Day

Mr Majeika Joins the Circus by Humphrey Carpenter from Penguin Random House Children's UK is a really exciting read!

6 days ago

World Circus Day

Mr Majeika Joins the Circus by Humphrey Carpenter from Puffin is a really exciting read!

6 days ago

April Events

Enjoy the sunshine and relaxing in the garden while the kids read Mr Majeika and the School Play by Humphrey Carpenter from Puffin

7 days ago

April Events

It's the end of the week, Mr Majeika Joins the Circus by Humphrey Carpenter from Penguin Random House Children's UK is a brilliant read to celebrate the coming weekend with!

14 days ago

April Events

It's Friday and its the start of the Easter Holidays for some. Why not enjoy Mr Majeika Joins the Circus by Humphrey Carpenter from Penguin Random House Children's UK

21 days ago

International Children's Book Day

Today is the day to read this brilliant book (not that you needed an excuse!), Mr Majeika and the School Play by Humphrey Carpenter from Puffin.

24 days ago

International Children's Book Day

Today is the day to read this brilliant book (not that you needed an excuse!), Mr Majeika and the School Play by Humphrey Carpenter from Penguin Random House Children's UK.

24 days ago

International Children's Book Day

Today is the day to read this brilliant book (not that you needed an excuse!), Mr Majeika and Mr Majeika and the Lost Spell Book bind-up by Humphrey Carpenter from Puffin.

24 days ago

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