Peacocke, Isabel Maud (1881–1973)
Peacocke, Isabel Maud (1881–1973)
New Zealand novelist and children's writer. Name variations: Inez Isabel Maud Cluett; Mrs. Cluett. Born Inez Isabel Maud Peacocke, Jan 31, 1881, in Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand; died Oct 12, 1973, in Roskill Masonic Village, Onehunga, New Zealand; dau. of Emily Frances (Mitchell) Peacocke and Gerald Loftus Torin Peacocke (Madeira-born English barrister and editor of New Zealand Farmer); educated privately; m. George Edward Cluett (engineer), June 1920 (died 1936); no children.
Taught at the Dilworth Ulster Institute for disadvantaged boys, where she quickly established a reputation as a storyteller; published 1st children's novel, My Friend Phil (1915) and went on to publish 24 more, including Quicksilver (1922) and Marjolaine (1936); was a founding member of New Zealand League of Penwomen; following husband's death, wrote 16 adult novels under married name; became popular as radio broadcaster presenting local history of Auckland; also wrote for magazines and newspapers in New Zealand and elsewhere.
See also autobiographical When I Was Seven (1927); Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 4).