Escott, Cicely Margaret (1908–1977)

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Escott, Cicely Margaret (1908–1977)

New Zealand novelist, drama teacher, and poet. Born July 9, 1908, at Eltham, London, England; died Aug 15, 1977, in Waitemata Harbour, New Zealand; dau. of Harry Frederick Escott (bank clerk) and Emily (Allen) Escott.

Immigrated to New Zealand with family (1926); returned to London and worked at Times Book Club (1928); wrote several novels, including Insolence of Office (1934), Awake at Noon (1935) and Show Down (1936); returned to New Zealand and taught adult drama classes (1950s–60s); became adjudicator for New Zealand branch of British Drama League, and was on radio arts panel; also wrote volume of poetry, Separation and/or Greeting, which was published after her death in 1980.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography.