Author
Mary Ann Kilner
1753-1831
Mary Ann Kilner (1753-1831) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Mary Ann Kilner
The Adventures of a Pincushion, Designed Chiefly for the Use of Young Ladies
"The Adventures of a Pincushion, Designed Chiefly for the Use of Young Ladies" is a children's fictional narrative written in the late 18th or early 19th century. The story is crafted to entertain and instruct young readers, particularly young girls, offering moral lessons through the amusing events that befall a sentient pincushion. As such, it is a whimsical exploration of childhood experiences and domestic life. At the start of the story, we meet Mrs. Airy and her two daughters, Martha and Charlotte, who engage in sewing and sibling antics. Martha successfully completes a pincushion, setting the stage for the pincushion's adventures as it narrates its own experiences from a first-person perspective. The opening introduces themes of family relationships, responsibility, and proper behavior, especially for young girls, providing an engaging mix of lightheartedness and moral instruction that characterizes the book's approach to education through storytelling.
William Sedley : $b or, the evil day deferred
"WILLIAM SEDLEY: or, the Evil Day Deferred" by Mary Ann Kilner is a moralistic novel written in the late 18th century. The story revolves around the character of William Sedley, a sensitive boy who grapples with his emotions and the judgments he makes about happiness and social status. As he navigates his relationships with peers of different social standings, he learns about virtue, empathy, and the consequences of one's choices. At the start of the narrative, we find William in a state of emotional turmoil, struggling with the sadness of returning to school after a holiday. A conversation with a poor chimney-sweeper named Tony reveals the stark differences in their lives, prompting William to reflect on the nature of happiness. As the opening progresses, William is accompanied by his grandfather, Mr. Graves, who shares wisdom on experience, virtue, and the importance of character. This discussion sets the tone for the lessons William will learn throughout the story as he faces various moral dilemmas and the choices that come with them. The beginning establishes a rich thematic foundation centered on the values of empathy, responsibility, and personal growth.
Jemima Placid; or, The Advantage of Good-Nature
"Jemima Placid; or, The Advantage of Good-Nature" by Mary Ann Kilner is a didactic children's novel written in the early 19th century. Set within a framework of moral education, this book explores the importance of good nature and self-control, primarily through the experiences of its titular character, Jemima. The narrative is focused on illustrating the contrast between Jemima's composed demeanor and the fretfulness of her cousins, promoting the idea that a calm disposition leads to greater happiness and social acceptance. The story follows Jemima Placid, a young girl who embodies an exemplary character of good nature. As Jemima visits her more temperamental cousins in London, she faces various challenges and situations that test her patient and amiable disposition. From misunderstandings and accidents to the ill-temper of her cousins, Jemima navigates her social landscape with composure and warmth. Through these experiences, the narrative reinforces the value of kindness, patience, and resilience in the face of life's disappointments, ultimately culminating in Jemima being admired and respected by all around her. The book acts not just as a charming story but also as a moral guide, encouraging readers to cultivate a good-natured character like Jemima's.