Margaret Mitchell - Gone with the Wind
A Video Talk
When Margaret Mitchell was a little girl, she sat on her grandmother’s veranda and listened avidly to stories of the Civil War. It came as a terrible shock some years later when she discovered that the South had actually lost the war. Those stories, and the journalism work she did in the city of Atlanta would all help her to write her classic novel about Scarlett O’Hara surviving the horrors of the war that divided a nation.
I’ll tell you the fascinating story behind this memorable and, today, controversial novel and its author. Who was Rhett Butler based on? How did fame affect Margaret Mitchell? And what about that famous ending – did Scarlett ever get Rhett back?
“We should keep reading ‘Gone with the Wind'”
― Washington Post
It was actually an accident that brought about the writing of her book. The tale was not written chronologically and it’s a miracle it ever came to be published at all. Discover what name Margaret Mitchell originally gave to her feisty heroine, and what changes she made just before publication.
When Gone with the Wind was published in 1936 it was an immediate bestseller and speculation began as to which actors could take the main parts in a movie. When the film premiered in Atlanta in 1939, after a very troubled production, it broke box office records, won ten Academy Awards and remains the highest grossing film in history.
This Video Talk is a real treat! Taken from a live-streamed presentation, it has been carefully recorded and completely edited to deliver the experience of being part of an audience and having the best seat in the house. It includes over 60 minutes of intriguing stories about the author to help you understand what prompted this book to be written. The main characters and their roles are identified, the themes behind the story are analysed, and a description of the influence that the era, lifestyle and circumstances have on the book’s setting. It is illustrated with photographs, paintings, scenes from different film versions and book covers – you’ll have plenty to look at while you listen.
Just $15. Buy it now – you’ll receive access details by return email.
I hope you enjoyed hearing about Margaret Mitchell, her life and her iconic book. I’m interested to hear what you think, so please tell me in a comment or leave a review here.
What a wonderful holiday gift—thank you, Susannah! I was hanging on every word. My introduction to GWTW was similar to yours. My next-door neighbor (a middle-aged woman) gave me her copy when I was 14 years old. Luckily, summer had just begun, so it didn’t matter that I stayed up three nights straight reading nonstop. I lived, breathed, and ate GWTW and was devastated after reading the final sentence. It’s the first time a book totally grabbed me and wouldn’t let go! I keep looking to repeat the experience, but have never fully succeeded.
Linda Fineman
Thank you Susannah for a wonderful Zoom talk on Gone With The Wind. I loved it and like you it brought back memories of reading my favourite book when I was 16 years old.
I love receiving your newsletter, so thank you for your gift.
I just want to tell you how much I adored your Zoom lecture on Gone with the Wind. I wish I was living in Sydney so I could attend your
courses.
Thank you Susannah for this fine presentation on Gone with the Wind, I learned a lot. I too read GWTW as a teenager and was deeply moved by it. Happily, the movie did the book justice.
I will rewatch the movie soon. My enjoyment will be enriched by having listened to your insights into its production.
Mary
Thank you Susannah for this fine presentation on Gone with the Wind.I learned a lot. I too read GWTW as a teenager and was deeply moved by it. Happily, the movie did the book justice.
I will rewatch the movie soon. My enjoyment will be enriched by having listened to your insights into it’s production. Thank you again.
Susannah Fullerton
I am so glad you enjoyed the talk, Mary. Thanks for your kind comments.
Yes, a fabulous book and a fabulous movie!
Marjorie June
Hi Susannah
Thank you so much for your interesting talk on ‘Gone with the Wind’ on Monday. I enjoyed it very much. I didn’t read it until I was in my thirties and enjoyed it then. When I was 14 years old I read Enid Blyton which at that time (1950’s)was discouraged as it was considered of no literary value. I encouraged my 12 year old brother to read the books which he enjoyed and has them still until this day. While he didn’t become a avid reader, he does read the occasional book. I went on to become a book addict, and have since read many classics. My home is full of books.
Marjorie June
Susannah Fullerton
We are lucky to be book addicts!!! Yes, Enid Blyton has given many children a love of reading, and I don’t think kids should be discouraged from reading her books.
I am so glad you enjoyed the Margaret Mitchell talk.
Merry Christmas!
Margaret Sams
Hi Susannah
I read Gone With The Wind when I was about 14
(Probably not with my parents permission). I remember wishing it would never end.
And the film! I can’t tell you how many times I have watched it. I fell in love with Clark Gable and anyone else in my life who looked a bit like him.
Can’t wait to listen to your talk tomorrow.
Margaret Sams
Susannah Fullerton
I was also 14 when I read it. My mother handed me this huge book, with no picture on the cover, and said ‘I think you might like this one!”. Three days later, I emerged pale and weeping, having done nothing but read it. I’ve adored it ever since. I’m also in love with Clark Gable. No wonder they have never attempted another film version – who could match those fabulous actors in the main roles?
I do hope you enjoy the talk!