Mary Russell Mitford : $b The tragedy of a blue stocking

by William James Roberts

"The Tragedy of a Blue Stocking" by W. J. Roberts is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and friendships of Mary Russell Mitford, a notable early Victorian writer, whose life is portrayed as charming yet tinged with tragedy due to her devoted but ultimately unworthy attachments. Through selected incidents and personal relationships, the book aims to redeem Mitford's name in modern memory. The opening of the text establishes that Mitford’s life was profoundly affected by her father's extravagant habits and her blind devotion to him, which hindered her fulfillment. It begins by detailing her parents' marriage and the immediate struggles caused by her father’s character, ultimately foreshadowing the financial and emotional tribulations she faced. The prose paints a vivid picture of her childhood in New Alresford, Hampshire, filled with pleasant memories yet overshadowed by the specter of poverty that haunted her family due to her father's reckless nature. This duality lays the groundwork for exploring Mitford's relationships and the complexities of her life as the narrative unfolds.