Arthur Ransome: journalist, author, spy

In 1913 the writer Lord Alfred Douglas accused Ransome of libel, for the account of him in his biography of his friend Oscar Wilde. Here Ransome (left) leaves court after winning the trial. He visited Russia for the first time that year
April 19, 1913: Alleged libel in Oscar Wilde's "life" Photograph: Hulton Archive

Ransome and daughter Tabitha skipping down a country lane. After working for several years as the Daily News's man in Russia, he was posted again for the Manchester Guardian at editor CP Scott's request
June 27, 1921: Port of Reval
July 15, 1921: Russian policy in the east Photograph: Special Collections, Leeds University Library/Faber

Arthur Ransome by the Baltic on board Slug, his first boat, purchased in 1920. When he was arrested the previous year in London and asked by the anti-communist head of the Special Branch what his politics were, he replied "fishing". He later wrote about this passion for the paper
September 4, 1925: Rod and Line - poachers, a new fly and a pike Photograph: Special Collections, Leeds University Library/Faber

Ransome dismounting a train in Soviet Russia. He travelled extensively, reporting on the economic problems and famine gripping the country, and was soon conducting exclusive interviews with Trotsky and Lenin
September 2, 1921: Russia's starving children
November 22, 1922: Lenin on the State of Russia, a remarkable interview
Photograph: Special Collections, Leeds University Library/Faber

Ransome wearing his press corps uniform. He provided vivid accounts of the impact of Lenin's death and attended the state funeral
January 23, 1924: Death of Lenin
January 28 1924: At the grave of Lenin Photograph: Faber

Swallows and Amazons was published in 1930. Ransome is pictured here with his friends the Altounyan family, whom he taught to sail and who inspired the book. His journalism reflected this renewed interest in nature
June 7, 1930: Drawn at a venture: Lilliput cricket
July 21, 1930: Swallows and Amazons review Photograph: Special Collections, Leeds University Library/Faber