At the Circulating Library

Author: Amy Catherine Walton

Author: Amy Catherine Walton (1849–1939)

Alternate Name(s): Deck (maiden name); Mrs. O. F. Walton (familiar name)

Biography: Amy Catherine Walton was born on 7 August 1849 in Hull, the daughter of clergyman John Deck and his wife Mary Ann (née Gibson). Her mother was a noted hymnwriter best known for "There is a Bright City." In her early twenties, Walton began writing for the R. T. S. beginning with My Little Corner (1872). In 1875, she married the clergyman Octavius Frank Walton and the couple had several children. The family spent time in Jerusalem, Scotland, and eventually Leigh. She continued to write after her marriage. Her best known novel was A Peep Behind the Scenes (1877) which depicted circus life and is reported to have sold 2.5 million copies by 1947. Its popularity inspired two early film productions (1918 and 1929). Walton died on 5 July 1939 in Tonbridge after a serious fall.

Author Tags:

• Clergymen's Wives

References: British Census (1851, 1881); Probate; Tonbridge Free Press (14 July 1939)

Fiction Titles:

1. My Little Corner: A Book for Cottage Homes.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1872.
2. My Mates and I.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1873.
3. Christie's Old Organ: or, "Home Sweet Home".  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1875.
4. A Peep Behind the Scenes.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1877.
5. Saved at Sea: A Lighthouse Story.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1879.
6. Was I Right?.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1879.
7. Little Faith: or, The Child of the Toy Stall.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1880.
8. Olive's Story.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1881.