Ocracoke in the Fifties Photographs and narrative by Dare Wright Edited by Brook Ashley and John Ogilvie

978-0-89587-322-4 0-89587-322-2 $19.95 paperback 7 x 9 112 pages 114 black-and-white photographs Press Release (PDF)

Half a century after the publication of The Lonely Doll, Dare Wright remains a subject of fascination. A strikingly attractive woman-child—a model and fashion photographer who always saw the world through the eyes of a girl—she was the author of nineteen children’s books that are still remembered fondly by a legion of fans. Ocracoke in the Fifties, now in print for the first time, is Dare Wright’s only book for adults. First and foremost, it is a tribute to one of Dare’s favorite places. It is also a time capsule of a unique island culture just past the midpoint of the twentieth century. And surprisingly, it is a testament to the timelessness of Ocracoke—which would please Dare immensely. Ocracoke has seen its share of changes, to be sure, but readers will have no trouble recognizing the durable little island off the North Carolina coast. The Ocracoke Lighthouse, the British Cemetery, the pony herd, the white picket fences, the legend of Blackbeard, the weathered fishermen, the barefoot children—seldom have Ocracoke’s landmarks, legends, and people been portrayed so memorably as by Dare Wright’s camera and pen. Dare Wright died in 2001. Ocracoke in the Fifties will bring a twinge of nostalgia to those who love her children’s books and introduce her to a new generation of readers. about the editors Editors Brook Ashley and John Ogilvie live in California. While growing up in Manhattan, Brook Ashley knew Dare Wright almost as a second mother. She is the sole heir to Dare’s estate.