Ian Serraillier (1912-1994) was a British novelist, poet, critic and teacher. He was best-known for his children’s books, including the classic The Silver Sword. He also re-told mythological legends from Greece, Rome and England in a modern idiom, often in verse. His criticism included Chaucer and his World, a biography. With his wife, he was an editor of the New Windmill Series for Heineman Educational Books, providing inexpensive editions for young people. Serraillier was a teacher at Dudley Boys Grammar School, Midhurst Grammar School and Wycliffe College. He was a nominee for the Carnegie Medal for Writing and a speaker for the Puffin Book Club at several Children’s Literature Summer Camps.
Serrraillier joined the Religious Society of Friends in 1939. During the Second World War he became a conscientious objector, serving as an air warden in London in the Blitz and in the West Midlands. He was also a longtime member of the Peace Pledge Union. In 1946 Serraillier became a member of Chichester (BrYM) Meeting. The Silver Sword was inspired by reports in The Friend about the Friends Relief Service efforts with refugee children in the Second World War.
Ian Serraillier created remarkable works for young people, introducing them to difficult themes like war and acquainting them with traditional stories from history.
Gary Sandman
December 2025