# Dedication explained — The Enchanted Castle

> Chapter companion for The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit.

## What happens

E. Nesbit dedicates the book to Margaret Ostler, recalling the inspiration she brought from the heath and moor into the Latin Quarter of Soho, and offers this tale of enchantments as a token of their friendship.

## Themes in this chapter

### Magic and Reality

The dedication explicitly links the 'magic' of the recipient's presence to the 'tale of enchantments' that follows, blending personal sentiment with the theme of magic.

## Key lines

> To Margaret Ostler with love from E. Nesbit Peggy, you came from the heath and moor, And you brought their airs through my open door; You brought the blossom of youth to blow In the Latin Quarter of Soho.

E. Nesbit affectionately dedicates the book to Margaret Ostler, describing how Margaret's arrival from the countryside infused the urban Latin Quarter of Soho with youthful vitality.

_The dedication establishes a personal connection between the author and the recipient, setting a tone of intimacy and gratitude._

> For the sake of that magic I send you here A tale of enchantments, Peggy dear, A bit of my work, and a bit of my heart⁠ ⁠… The bit that you left when we had to part.

Inspired by the 'magic' of Margaret's influence, Nesbit offers this story of enchantments as a gift that combines her creative labor with a piece of her heart, the part Margaret left behind when they separated.

_This passage directly ties the theme of magic to the act of storytelling and the emotional bond between author and dedicatee._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_enchanted_castle_se/chapters/dedication
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_enchanted_castle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_enchanted_castle_se/chapters