One hundred years ago, a little, red-haired orphan, 11, stepped out of the pages of a book and into the hearts of readers everywhere.

During the past century, Anne Shirley, also known as Anne of Green Gables, has inspired, amused and entertained countless kindred spirits everywhere. She has become one of the most beloved of all literary figures, passed down from mother to daughter and generation to generation.

Her book has never been out of print, and it has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. Her story has been translated into some 36 languages. It has been transformed into theater and film. The television miniseries made in the late 1980s has been screened in some 130 countries. She’s an icon, not only in Canada, where her story is set, but also in far-off places such as Sweden and Japan.

Read More?