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Martineau, Harriet, 1802-1876 Books
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Florence Fenwick Miller
Harriet Martineau
"Harriet Martineau" by Florence Fenwick Miller is a biographical and critical account written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the life and contributions of Harriet Martineau, an influential social theorist and writer, as the author weaves together personal anecdotes, historical context, and her literary achievements. The narrative promises to delve into Martineau's early influences, struggles with deafness, personal relationships, and her pioneering role in advocating for women's rights and social justice. At the start of the biography, the author outlines Martineau's background, including her family's Huguenot heritage and her early childhood struggles influenced by a strict upbringing and a series of physical ailments. The opening chapters provide insight into her formative years, marked by a complicated relationship with her mother and lasting impacts from her health challenges, especially her deafness. As Martineau grows, we see her passions for justice and education develop, alongside her early literary explorations and how these experiences shaped her views on society and her future contributions to literature and reform movements.
John Morley
Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 3 of 3), Essay 6: Harriet Martineau
"Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 3 of 3), Essay 6: Harriet Martineau" by John Morley is a biographical essay written in the early 20th century. This work reflects on the life and contributions of Harriet Martineau, a notable figure of the Victorian era known for her writings on social issues and political economy. The essay engages with Martineau's intellectual journey, character, and her influence on social thought, exploring her as a pioneering female author and social reformer. The essay begins by discussing Martineau's challenging early life, which was marked by personal struggles and a strict upbringing. It highlights her literary career, particularly her success with tales that illustrated political economy principles. Morley emphasizes Martineau's transition from religious themes to a more scientific approach to societal issues, as well as her significant role in advocating for abolitionism and social reform. The essay also touches on her friendships with influential contemporaries and her later years spent in solitude, reflecting on her legacy as a writer and social critic. Ultimately, the essay portrays Martineau as a complex figure who was both a product of her time and a forward-thinking advocate for social change.
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