Published in 1886, this book, along with The Secret Garden, cemented
Burnett's reputation as a leading children's author. The title
character of this book was based on Burnett's second son, Vivian and has
been said to embody the author's belief that "nothing in the world is so
strong as a kind heart." Briefly put, the story relates to the life of
Young Cedric Errol, who lives in New York with his mother. Cedric's
English father dies and the young lad is summoned by his grandfather the
Earl to the family castle. The grandfather seeks to transform Cedric in
to a traditional lordling; alas, it is Little Lord Fauntleroy (Cedric)
who ends up transforming the Earl and the hearts of his English
relatives.
Keywords: Classic, England, history, Victorian, innocence, love, respect, earldom, heir, rags to riches
