Johanna Spyri was a well known children's writer and novelist of Switzerland. She was born in Hirzel village, located in the southern part of Zurich. Heidi was the most popular children's novel written by her, which earned her international recognition. This novel became so famous that later she had to write a sequel to it titled 'Heidi Uses what She Has Learned 'in order to meet the popular demand. Later this follow up was included in the main novel ' Heidi'.
Life of Johanna Spyri
Johanna Spyri was born as Johanna Heusser. Her father was a village doctor. Since childhood Johanna had a love for books. She received her early education from the local school in Hirzel and later in Zurich city. In the year 1852, she married a lawyer, Johann Bernhard Spyri. After marriage she shifted to Zurich and resided there for the rest of her life.
Works of Johanna Spyri
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At the age of 43, Johanna Spyri wrote her first story- A Leaf on Vrony's Grave. This story was published in 1871. The success of this story inspired Johanna to write many other tales both for adults and children.
Some of the popular works of Johanna Spyri include Erick and Sally, Heidi, Gritli's Children, Moni the Goat Boy, Maezli, Toni, The Little Woodcarver, Rico and Wiseli, Veronica And Other Friends, Uncle Titus and His Visit to the Country, Dora, Arthur and Squirrel, The Children's Carol, Peppino, Jo: The Little Machinist, The Rose Child, Cornelli, Willis the Pilot and What Sami Sings with the Birds.
Heidi became her most popular work, which was published in 1880. Later it was translated into English. Heidi depicted some of the basic issues of every day life. In her works she vividly portrayed the country life.
With her unique contribution in the field of literature, Johanna Spyri is still regarded as one of the most famous literary figures ever born in Zurich, Switzerland.
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