IN DETAIL: Molly Clavering (1900-1995) (aka B. Mollett, aka Marion Moffatt, aka Emma Munro)

As I mentioned a few days ago in my post on Molly Clavering's 1953 novel Mrs. Lorimer's Family, I recently got a wonderful stash of Clavering information from fellow blogger Jeanne at A Bluestocking Knits, which she obtained from a cousin of Clavering herself.  I'm not exactly known for being a biographer, but I'm going to do my best to summarize the main points, which are pulled together from a variety of sources (including several interviews with or recollections by Clavering herself), and also to provide Clavering's rather complex bibliography.  As far as I know, this information isn't available elsewhere online, but should anyone have additional information from personal knowledge—including any other details about Clavering's writings—please don't hesitate to let me know.  [And Jeanne, thank you again for your help and please feel free to jump in if I miss anything!]

BIOGRAPHICAL

Clavering was born October 23, 1900, in Glasgow.  Her father was a Glasgow businessman, and her mother's grandfather had been a doctor in Moffat, where she would live for nearly 50 years after the war.  Her name on her birth registry was given as Mary, though she always went by Molly.  According to her obituary—written by D. E. Stevenson's granddaughter Wendy Simpson—Clavering was raised in a town called Carseblane in Stirlingshire.  [A Google search for this town produces zero results, but as it was clearly a rural area this might not be unusual.]

According to Clavering's recollections in an "Author of the Month" article for a journal she later wrote for, she was educated at a private school called Mortimer House at Clifton, Bristol.  Of her school days, she recalled:

Between learning to know the birds and flowers, the weather and the hills round our house, and reading everything I could lay hands on (we were never restricted in our reading) I hadn’t much time for orthodox lessons, though I liked history and Latin. When I was sent to school I found the society of girls and the regular hours very difficult at first.

…

I spent a great deal of time intended for “prep“ in doing my own writing, which was not much help when it came to exams. So, although I did pretty well in them, my reports always said I could do better. My parents never agreed with the reports, so I was never discouraged from writing. At the age of seven I considered myself a poetess—so did my father. But my mother only told me my verses were not bad for a little girl.

The years between school and the beginning of World War II remain a bit of a mystery in Clavering's life.  She published three novels in the late 1920s (see below), which would also have been her late 20s.  All were set in Scotland.  In one, the heroine lives in Edinburgh, which could suggest that Clavering was living there at the time, but this is flimsy evidence at best.  The novels might suggest additional details about her life in these years, were they more readily available… 

After the publication of Wantonwalls in 1929, there seems to have been a lull in Clavering's writing.  She apparently did not publish again until 1936, when the first of four novels under the pseudonym "B. Mollett" appeared.  What other events these years contained are not revealed by Clavering's later recollections.  In Mrs. Lorimer's Family, Clavering's alter-ego, Gray Douglas, says that "[y]outh with its fevers and unrest, its terrible miseries and lovely ecstasy, was behind her, gone for ever" and recalls—albeit without detail—the joys and drama of youthful romance.  Although Clavering later wrote, "My life has been uneventful, apart from six years in the W.R.N.S. during the last war," perhaps her fictional recollections suggest that it was not totally uneventful.

Clavering's war service lasted from 1939 until 1946, and she relocated to Moffat in 1947.  Her obituary recalled her "arriv[al] in the town in 1947 as a WRNS officer, her smart appearance in uniform inspiring more than one young woman to join up."  Sadly, she does not seem to have written any specific recollections of her wartime life, and Mrs. Lorimer's Family makes only brief mention of the war—referring, for example, to Gray's arrival in the village "a little battered by war experiences."  Might any of her other novels make more revealing references?

She does seem to have led a rather quiet, if busy, life after her arrival in Moffat.  She lived alone with her large black poodle—or more likely several of them, as references to her poodle extend across several decades—the first of which seems to have been a gift from D. E. Stevenson.  In another short recollection written for a magazine, Clavering describes the genesis of much of her fiction in country walks with her dog:

"'That’s what’s meant by 'trying it out on the dog,'" she smiles.

Clavering actively participated in village life.  According to her obituary, she became the "first and only woman magistrate in Moffat," and served on the town council from 1951 to 1960.  She was actively involved with the Girl Guides and Rangers, and became president of the local association for Scottish country dancing.  The obituary also refers to her as "the ambidextrous tennis player of the Bal play Tennis Club."

Clavering died in Moffat on February 12, 1995.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL

Clavering's obituary refers to 14 novels, and she also published one well-received work of non-fiction, From the Border Hills, about her rambles in the hills and valleys near Moffat and the meditations they inspire (you can read a brief review of the latter here). 

But as it turns out, this is only the tip of the iceberg.  According to her cousin's research, 24 additional works by Clavering were serialized in the popular weekly magazine The People’s Friend between 1952 and 1976—long after her final novel in book form appeared in 1962.  All but one of these were later issued as People’s Friend Pocket Novels, most in the 1980s, but one was actually reissued as recently as 2007.  From what I have found, "pocket novels" seem to be relatively short, often romantic novels (about 150 pages), but novels nevertheless, albeit published in more of a magazine format.

So, from appearing to be an author who only wrote sporadically during three distinct periods of her life, Clavering can now be seen as the quite prolific author of 38 novels in all.  Her obituary also mentions that she wrote for The Scots Magazine, but I have no information about that work.  Was it fiction as well?  Articles?  Indeed, there may be even more of Clavering's work still to be uncovered.

I've done some searching for these "pocket novels" and have come up empty-handed.  They do not seem to have been catalogued by major libraries.  Only more recent titles seem to be even listed on Amazon UK, and few enough of those show second-hand copies available.  E-bay produces some results, but again these seem to be more recent titles only.  It's exasperating to think that these were issued as recently as the 1980s and 1990s but seem to have already vanished from the face of the earth.  I plan to keep digging, but by all means if you happen to have subscribed to The People's Friend in the past—or know someone who might have (preferably a hoarder with a sizeable and very dusty attic!)—please let me know!  It would be fascinating to read one or more of these titles to get an idea of the type of work Clavering was doing.

Below is the complete list of titles.  I am dividing them by those published in book form—which are at least available in the British Library and/or the National Library of Scotland if not elsewhere—and those serialized and published as pocket novels.  I'm including the sometimes complicated use of pseudonyms and alternate titles for the latter, in case anyone is able thereby to track any of them down.  For those published in book form, I have some short blurbs from reviews or publisher advertisements (again courtesy of Clavering's cousin), and where those tell something about the subject matter, I am including them after each title.

N O V E L S   P U B L I S H E D   I N   B O O K   F O R M
1927		Georgina and the Stairs
		Advertisement from publisher John Long, Ltd.: Here is a charming love story, presenting some life-like scenes of home life in a Scottish village. Whilst on a visit to Edinburgh, Georgina Maitland strikes up a friendship with a wealthy widow, which causes the current of her life to run in a new channel. We are introduced to an interesting family group, and Georgina, as the heroine, is attractively drawn. A quiet vein of humour runs through the story, and numerous clever character sketches show that this author has considerable talent.
1928		The Leech of Life
		Advertisement from publisher John Long, Ltd.: Kit Veitch, whose beauty has won the heart of Dick Howard, invites him to spend a few days at her home in Edinburgh. While there he transfers his affection to her younger sister, Marion, who is of a dreamy temperament, living in a world of her own, peopled by fairies and Scottish heroes. She is at first attracted by Dick, but, while in one of her day-dreams, she meets a stranger to whom she is irresistibly drawn, and forthwith forgets her quondam lover. The further development of this story is unexpected and the characters are skilfully etched against a background of delightful Scottish scenery.
1929		Wantonwalls
		Advertisement from publisher John Long, Ltd.: This is a charmingly told Scottish romance. All the characters move easily and naturally, and the Scotch atmosphere and the old tales and songs are delightful.
1936		Susan Settles Down
		(under the pseudonym B. Mollett)
1938		Yoked with a Lamb
		(under the pseudonym B. Mollett)
		Advertisement from publisher Stanley Paul: What happened when the various members of a long-separated family met again is charmingly told in this delightfully humorous novel by the author of “Susan Settles Down”.
1938		Love Comes Home
		(under the pseudonym B. Mollett)
		Advertisement from publisher Stanley Paul: A delightfully gay comedy of Scottish country life in the West.
1939		Touch Not the Nettle
		(under the pseudonym B. Mollett)
1953		Because of Sam
		A novel about men and women … and a Labrador.                    - The Observer As rural and refreshing as the Scottish scene in which it is set. There’s the real stuff of country village life here.                    - Manchester Evening Chronicle A delightful domestic novel.                    - Lincolnshire Chronicle Compelling and deeply sincere.                    - Book Exchange
1953		Mrs. Lorimer's Quiet Summer (published in the U.S. as Mrs. Lorimer's Family)
		From the jacket flaps of the U.S. edition: With all but one of the children married and living away from home, Mrs. Lorimer and the Colonel look forward to gathering them together for a summer reunion at their comfortable country place. But as the children arrive, Mrs. Lorimer begins to see beneath the gaiety of homecoming the urgent personal problems each has been unable to leave behind. Phillis’s marriage is being threatened by a critical misunderstanding; Tom and his gifted wife Mary are anxiously trying to work out a tricky compromise; quiet Alice, who appears to be the most content and safe, brings about an unexpected crisis. And Guy, the unmarried one, whose laughter bravely conceals a broken heart, seems bent on risking the perils of falling in love again—and with, of all people, a spirited newcomer who has some curious ideas of her own about romance! But just when Mrs. Lorimer is absorbed in the needs of those nearest and dearest to her, trying to supply the sympathy and guidance only a mother can give, she herself is faced with a disturbing experience. For charming Richard Malleson suddenly reappears out of the never-forgotten past to challenge her love for the Colonel and the way of life they have built together; and Mrs. Lorimer must summon her courage and honesty on her own behalf to pass this new test with colors flying. [This characterization of Mrs. Lorimer's old flame is a rather daft misrepresentation of what actually occurs—see my review of the novel here.]
1955		Dear Hugo
		You will like ‘Dear Hugo’ by Molly Clavering, that effortless expert on the Lowland Scots scene. It consists of letters from Sara Monteith, an old friend, to Dr Hugo, during his two years’ African exile. What letters though! Full of human stuff, charm and sly fun for the reader—in short, typical Molly Clavering.                    - Reading Standard
1956		Near Neighbours
		An absorbing story of family life.                    - Liverpool Evening Express A most enjoyable story, free from affectation.                    - Church of England Newspaper An entertaining novel. It is refreshing to read about an ordinary family whose members are all interesting characters without being cranks of some kind.                    - Bolton Evening News
1957		Result of the Finals
		From dust jacket: One hot summer’s day, the little Scottish town of Eilton is filled with people from the neighbouring countryside. Today is the great day of the Finals of the Tennis Tournament, which is to settle so many other things besides the winning of the “Both Sides of the Border” Cup. In they come, eagerly or fearfully, to play or watch, to meet old friends and make new ones, to greet life with open arms.
1960		Dr. Glasgow's Family
1962		Spring Adventure
S E R I A L I Z E D / P O C K E T   N O V E L S
1952		Where None Would Know
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Sept. 13 – Dec. 10, 1952 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel under the title A Time To Trust, Apr. 12, 1988
1953		Jenny Long-Legs
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Mar. 14 – Jun. 20, 1953 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel under the title Little Miss Lonely, Apr. 10, 1984
1954		Where Love Leads
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, May 29 – Aug. 14, 1954 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Jun. 14, 1988
1955		One More In The Family
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Jan. 22 – Apr. 2, 1955 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel under the title Welcome Stranger, Apr. 9, 1985
1957		For All That’s To Come
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Jun. 8 – Sept. 7, 1957 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Mar. 8, 1994
1958		Only Son
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Sept. 20 – Dec. 6, 1958 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Oct. 10, 1989
1962		Doctor Janet
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Aug. 11 – Nov. 3, 1962 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, 1991
1963		Troubled Heritage
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Jun. 8 – Aug. 24, 1963 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Mar. 13, 1990
1963		With A High Heart
		(serialized under the pseudonym Emma Munro, reprinted under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Nov. 23, 1963 – Feb. 8, 1964 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Jan. 14, 1986
1964		The New Matron
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Aug. 1 – Oct. 31, 1964 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel under the title With Hands That Heal, Jul. 14, 1987
1964		Windows Of Gold
		(serialized under the pseudonym Emma Munro, reprinted under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Dec. 19, 1964 – Mar. 20, 1965 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Jun. 14, 1983
1965		The Gay Young Gordons
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Jul. 31 – Oct. 23, 1965 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel under the title So Strong The Ties, Apr. 8, 1986
1966		And Always To Care
		(serialized under the pseudonym Emma Munro, reprinted under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Jun. 4 – Aug. 6, 1966 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel under the title Her Kind Of Man, Oct. 13, 1987
1966		Second Wife
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Nov. 12, 1966 – Feb. 4, 1967 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel under the title A Time To Trust, Dec. 11, 1984
1967		Troubled Waters
		(serialized under the pseudonym Emma Munro, reprinted under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Jun. 3 – Aug. 19, 1967 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel under the title So Bitter The Memories, Nov. 8, 1983 Re-issued in slightly revised version as People's Friend Pocket Novel under original title, 2007
1967		Where The Heart Belongs
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Nov. 18, 1967 – Jan. 10, 1968 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Feb. 10, 1987
1968		If Love Should Fail
		(serialized under the pseudonym Emma Munro, reprinted under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Sept. 7 – Nov. 20, 1968 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Oct. 9, 1990
1969		David’s Daughter
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Jun. 14 – Aug. 30, 1969 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Jan. 9, 1990
1970		This One Talent
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Feb. 21 – May 9, 1970 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, May 9, 1989
1971		As Blows The Wind
		(serialized under the pseudonym Emma Munro, reprinted under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Jan. 16 – Apr. 10, 1971 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Apr. 10, 1990
1972		As Their Father Wished
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Apr. 15 – Jun. 24, 1972 Never issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel; this is the only one of Clavering's serialized novels not to be re-issued
1973		When Dreams Have Fled
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Mar. 17 – Jun. 16, 1973 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Sept. 9, 1986
1974		The Slender Thread
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Sept. 21 – Dec. 21, 1974 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel under the title The Bond They Shared, Sept. 10, 1985
1976		By Next Year’s Harvest
		(under the pseudonym Marion Moffatt)
		Serialized: The People's Friend, Aug. 14 – Nov. 6, 1976 Issued as People's Friend Pocket Novel, Sept. 11, 1984