Ida Pollock, English author and painter (d. 2013)

Ida Julia Pollock, born Crowe, led a truly extraordinary life, spanning from April 12, 1908, to December 3, 2013. This prolific British author dedicated nine decades of her remarkable 105 years to the craft of storytelling, making her one of the most enduring and celebrated figures in the world of romance literature. Her incredible longevity saw her referred to as the "world's oldest novelist" who remained actively writing well into her centenarian years, until her passing.

Over the course of her vast career, Ida Pollock penned an astonishing volume of work, including several short stories and more than 125 romance novels. These works were published not only under her married name, Ida Pollock, but also under a captivating array of pseudonyms. This common practice among highly productive authors allowed her to explore different narrative styles, reach various reader demographics, or simply manage the sheer quantity of her output. Her chosen pen names included Joan M. Allen, Susan Barrie, Pamela Kent, Averil Ives, Anita Charles, Barbara Rowan, Jane Beaufort, Rose Burghley, Mary Whistler, and Marguerite Bell. Through these numerous identities, she captivated millions of readers worldwide, selling millions of copies of her beloved books.

A Pillar of the Romantic Novelists' Association

Ida Pollock's influence extended far beyond the pages of her novels. She was a pivotal figure in the establishment of the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA), a testament to her commitment to the genre and its community. Her dedication was fittingly recognized on her 105th birthday when she was appointed honorary vice-president of the association, a full circle moment for one of its original founding members. This honor underscored her enduring legacy and her role in shaping the landscape of romantic fiction in Britain and beyond.

Family, Love, and Literary Connections

Ida's personal life was as rich and fascinating as her fictional worlds. She shared her life with Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Alexander Pollock, DSO (1888–1971), a distinguished war veteran and a notable figure in his own right, having collaborated with and edited the works of none other than Sir Winston Churchill. This connection to a prominent historical figure adds another layer of intrigue to Ida's story. The literary tradition continued through their daughter, Rosemary Pollock, who also inherited her mother's talent for crafting romance novels, ensuring the family's creative legacy endured.

Starlight: An Autobiography Revealed

At the remarkable age of 100, in 2009, Ida Pollock published her autobiography titled "Starlight." This memoir offered readers a personal and intimate account of her early career, her marriage, and the intricacies of her life. Perhaps one of the most intriguing revelations within "Starlight" concerned her husband's earlier marriage to the beloved children's author, Enid Blyton, offering a unique glimpse into the interconnected literary circles of the era and the personal histories that shaped these iconic figures.

Beyond the Written Word: A Painter's Palette

Ida Pollock's creative spirit was not confined solely to writing. She was also an accomplished oil painter, demonstrating a remarkable versatility in her artistic endeavors. Her talent in this field was recognized nationally when, at the impressive age of 96 in 2004, one of her works was selected for inclusion in a national exhibition. This achievement highlighted her lifelong passion for creativity and her ability to excel across different artistic disciplines, proving that age was no barrier to her vibrant artistic pursuits.

FAQs About Ida Pollock

Who was Ida Pollock?
Ida Julia Pollock, born Crowe (1908–2013), was a British author renowned for writing over 125 romance novels and several short stories under her married name and numerous pseudonyms. She was also an oil painter.
How many books did Ida Pollock write?
Ida Pollock wrote over 125 romance novels, in addition to several short stories, throughout her extensive career.
What pseudonyms did Ida Pollock use?
She used several pseudonyms including Joan M. Allen, Susan Barrie, Pamela Kent, Averil Ives, Anita Charles, Barbara Rowan, Jane Beaufort, Rose Burghley, Mary Whistler, and Marguerite Bell.
What was Ida Pollock's connection to the Romantic Novelists' Association?
Ida Pollock was a founding member of the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) and was later appointed honorary vice-president of the organization on her 105th birthday.
Who was Ida Pollock's husband?
Her husband was Lt Colonel Hugh Alexander Pollock, DSO (1888–1971), a war veteran and a collaborator and editor for Winston Churchill.
What is "Starlight" about?
"Starlight" is Ida Pollock's autobiography, published in 2009 when she was 100 years old. It covers the beginning of her career, her marriage, and details about her husband's relationship with his ex-wife, Enid Blyton.
Was Ida Pollock only a writer?
No, in addition to being a prolific writer, Ida Pollock was also an accomplished oil painter. One of her paintings was selected for a national exhibition in 2004 when she was 96.