Jan Struther (1901-1953)

Jan Struther (1901-1953) was the pen name of Joyce Anstruther, later Joyce Maxtone Graham and Joyce Placzek. She was born on June 6th. 1901, youngest child of Henry (Harry) Torrens Anstruther M.P. and (later Dame) Eva Anstruther (née Hanbury-Tracy). She spent her childhood in Whitchurch in Buckinghamshire, England.

Her most renowned work is the novel, Mrs. Miniver, which follows the life of a British middle class family during World War II.

The book was made into a film starred Walter Pidgeon and Greer Garson. The film won 6 Hollywood Oscars in 1942, including the award for Best Picture.

Starting at the age of 16, Jan Struther wrote articles, poems, and short stories for periodicals, most notably, Punch. Her volumes of poetry include:

• Betsinda Dances and Other Poems, 1931
• Sycamore Square and Other Verses, 1932 (illustrated by Ernest Shepard)
• Try Anything Twice, 1938; and The Glass Blower, 1941.

Hymns associated with Jan Struther (1901 – 1953)

• Lord Of All Hopefulness (Slane, Orchestra, 4 Verses)
• Lord Of All Hopefulness (Slane, Organ, 4 Verses)
• When A Knight Won His Spurs (Stowey, Guitar, Woodwind And Strings, 3 Verses)-

---