Subject
Women and literature -- England -- History -- 19th century Books
Best books
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.
A. Mary F. (Agnes Mary Frances) Robinson
Emily Brontë
"Emily Brontë" by A. Mary F. Robinson is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. This work explores the life of the renowned author, delving into her parentage, childhood, and the influences that shaped her literary career. The book focuses on significant aspects of Brontë's life, including her complex relationships with her siblings, particularly with her brother Branwell, and the impact of her early environment on her writing. The opening of the text introduces Emily Brontë's lineage and family background, emphasizing that her literary talents were not inherited from her parents, who lacked notable artistic skill. A. Mary F. Robinson explores the dynamics within the Brontë family, particularly the challenges they faced, including the early death of their mother and the subsequent neglect by their father. Robinson sets the stage to illustrate how these circumstances contributed to Emily's development as a writer, highlighting the isolation and influences of her upbringing in the moorlands of Haworth, which would later inform her famous works. The narrative begins to paint a portrait of a sensitive and imaginative child, whose life experiences would deeply inform her literary genius.
Julian Marshall
The Life and Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Volume 1 (of 2)
"The Life and Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Volume 1 (of 2)" by Mrs. Julian Marshall is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the life of Mary Shelley, famed author of "Frankenstein," and explores her familial background, including her parents William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, as well as her tumultuous relationship with Percy Bysshe Shelley. Offering insights into her upbringing and intellectual development, the book aims to position Mary Shelley as an influential figure in her own right, separate from her husband's overshadowing legacy. The opening of the biography introduces the beginnings of Mary's life, focusing on her unique parentage—her mother being a pioneering feminist and her father a philosophical writer. It discusses the impact of her mother's death shortly after Mary's birth, leaving her in the care of a father who is both brilliant and unprepared for parenting. The narrative hints at the eventual conflicts and challenges Mary will face, including her evolving relationship with William Godwin’s second wife and her interactions with Percy Bysshe Shelley. Interspersed with reflections on her character and emerging intellect, the beginning lays a foundation for understanding how these early experiences shaped Mary into the profound literary figure she would later become.
Sarah Tytler
Jane Austen and her works
"Jane Austen and Her Works" by Sarah Tytler is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the life and literary contributions of Jane Austen, highlighting her evolution as a writer. It likely discusses the themes and characters of her most renowned novels such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Emma," and "Sense and Sensibility," while also providing insights into the social context of her time. The opening of the book sets a reflective tone by establishing the significance of Jane Austen's literary achievements against the backdrop of her life. It portrays her as a remarkable woman whose early works foreshadowed her later masterpieces, while emphasizing her close relationship with her family and the supportive environment that nurtured her talent. Tytler emphasizes the importance of understanding the interplay between Austen's life and her novels, suggesting that their characteristics reflect enduring human nature. Thus, the initial chapters frame Austen as a writer of great sensitivity and insight, who captured the complexities of relationships and social manners in her works.
Clement King Shorter
Charlotte Brontë and Her Circle
"Charlotte Brontë and Her Circle" by Clement King Shorter is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life and relationships of Charlotte Brontë, her family, and her contemporaries, adding new insights and letters that have not been previously published. The work seeks to present a more nuanced understanding of Charlotte and her sisters, challenging the notions established by earlier biographies, particularly that of Mrs. Gaskell. The opening of the book begins with a preface where Shorter acknowledges the contributions of various individuals who assisted him in compiling the new material about the Brontës. He expresses gratitude to friends and family who provided letters and information, highlighting the significance of these documents in painting a fuller picture of Charlotte's life. Additionally, the preface transitions smoothly into an overview of key figures in the Brontë family, including an exploration of Patrick Brontë and Maria Branwell, before launching into detailed accounts of Charlotte’s life and literary journey. Overall, the opening establishes the book's ambition to deepen the reader's appreciation of the Brontë sisters' literary legacy and the complexities of their lives, marked by personal struggles and creativity.
Julian Marshall
The Life and Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Volume 2 (of 2)
"The Life and Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Volume 2" by Julian Marshall is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume examines the life and correspondence of the renowned author Mary Shelley, focusing on the profound impact of her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley’s death and her subsequent struggles. It delves deeply into her emotional turmoil, relationships with contemporaries, and her efforts in sustaining herself and her child through grief and adversity. The opening of this volume introduces a harrowing period in Mary Shelley's life following the tragic drowning of her husband and friend, Edward Williams. It captures the somber atmosphere as Mary, along with her friend Jane Williams and Trelawny, searches for confirmation of their fate, punctuated with intense anguish and despair. Trelawny's grim task of delivering the news of their deaths to Mary is portrayed with a profound intensity, revealing her overwhelming sorrow and the support from friends like Leigh Hunt. This part of the narrative highlights Shelley's emotional resilience amidst profound loss and sets the stage for her subsequent life marked by solitude and creative endeavors intertwined with memories of her loved ones.
W. H. (William Henry) Helm
Jane Austen and Her Country-house Comedy
"Jane Austen and Her Country-house Comedy" by W. H. Helm is a critical examination of the literary genius of Jane Austen, written in the early 20th century. The exploration focuses on Austen's unique style, thematic concerns, and characterization within her novels, emphasizing her social commentary through a tranquil setting that contrasts with more dramatic literary works of her time. Helm delves into the qualities that define Austen's narratives, including her emphasis on domestic life, the limitations of her character archetypes, and the way she presents love and society without the thrumming of passion typical of romantic literature. The opening portion of the text sets the foundation for a comprehensive analysis of Jane Austen's contributions to literature. Helm introduces readers to Austen's "abiding freshness" and her distinct absence of extreme passion in her characters, arguing that while her works may lack the sensationalism found in contemporary novels, they provide a portrait of social order and human interaction that remains relevant. Through a critique of both her style and substance, he highlights the earnest nature of her characters and reflects on how her writings serve as a refuge from the tumult of modern life, thereby inviting readers to re-engage with her work as a comforting comedic journey through English society.
Lucy Madox Brown Rossetti
Mrs. Shelley
"Mrs. Shelley" by Lucy Madox Brown Rossetti is a biographical account that likely emerged in the late 19th century, specifically in 1890. This work delves into the life of Mary Shelley, the renowned author of "Frankenstein," and examines her complex identity as both the daughter of the feminist pioneer Mary Wollstonecraft and the wife of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. The book explores the societal and personal struggles that shaped Mary Shelley's formative years and creative pursuits. The opening portion of "Mrs. Shelley" provides an insightful glimpse into Mary Shelley's lineage, highlighting her parentage and early life experiences. It discusses the significant impact of her mother’s legacy and her father’s philosophical musings on her development, particularly in a context rife with social upheaval. As the narrative unfolds, we see how Mary navigates her childhood marked by loss and responsibility, setting the stage for her eventual meeting with Percy Shelley, whose presence would profoundly alter her life trajectory. The biographer skillfully sets up a richly detailed exploration of Mary Shelley's maturation amidst the tumultuous relationships and intellectual circles of her time, preparing readers for a deeper understanding of her character and works.
Agnes Giberne
A Lady of England: The Life and Letters of Charlotte Maria Tucker
"A Lady of England: The Life and Letters of Charlotte Maria Tucker" by Agnes Giberne is a biographical work written in the late 19th century. The book focuses on the life of Charlotte Maria Tucker, also known by her literary pseudonym A. L. O. E., highlighting her contributions to literature, particularly children's books, as well as her significant missionary work in India. It aims to portray the essence of her character and the enduring impact of her life devoted to service and faith. The opening of the biography presents an "Author's Preface" where Agnes Giberne shares insights about the compilation of Charlotte Tucker’s letters and writings, indicating the challenges in both the abundance and scarcity of materials regarding different periods of her life. Giberne introduces Tucker as a person of remarkable self-devotion, emphasizing her missionary efforts and the relationships she cultivated, particularly with her sister-friend Mrs. Hamilton. The author sets the tone of admiration for Tucker’s character, asserting the importance of understanding not only what she accomplished but who she was at heart, as they prepare to delve into the details of her life both in England and India.
Anne (Anne Burrows) Gilchrist
Mary Lamb
"Mary Lamb" by Anne Gilchrist is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the life of Mary Lamb, focusing on her profound relationship with her brother Charles Lamb, their shared struggles, and the influence of their friendships with notable literary figures like Coleridge and Wordsworth. Through the lens of Mary’s life experiences, the book delves into themes of love, tragedy, and mental health, emphasizing how these factors shaped her existence and legacy. The opening of the narrative introduces Mary Lamb's life from her formative years. It highlights her childhood background, the challenges she faced, and the close bond she forged with her younger brother, Charles. Mary is depicted as sensitive and prone to mental health struggles, largely influenced by her family dynamics and tragedies, including the death of their mother. The preface also reveals the context in which Anne Gilchrist writes, acknowledging the tragedy that marked Mary's life, and sets the stage for the detailed recounting of their shared experiences, illustrating the deep affection and devotion that characterized their sibling relationship.
John Crombie Brown
The Ethics of George Eliot's Works
"The Ethics of George Eliot's Works" by John Crombie Brown is a critical essay written in the late 19th century. This work examines the ethical and moral lessons embedded in the writings of George Eliot, particularly highlighting her emphasis on self-sacrifice and theChristian principles that transcend societal norms. Brown positions Eliot as a significant moral teacher of her time, interpreting her characters and narratives as illustrations of profound ethical dilemmas that confront humanity. The opening of the essay presents a preface outlining the author's reflections during the final stages of his life, ultimately motivated by a conversation about Eliot's works. Brown discusses the overarching philosophy in Eliot's writings, notably the distinction between individual happiness and a higher moral consciousness, as exemplified by her characters. He suggests that Eliot's stories serve as vehicles for conveying deeper truths about duty, love, sacrifice, and the implications of living for something greater than oneself, thus setting the stage for a thorough exploration of her literary legacy.
Rosina Bulwer Lytton Lytton
A blighted life : $b A true story
"A blighted life : A true story" by Baroness Rosina Bulwer Lytton Lytton is an autobiographical memoir written in the late 19th century. It presents the author’s searing account of long-term marital persecution by the celebrated novelist-statesman Edward Bulwer-Lytton and her battle against wrongful incarceration under England’s lunacy laws. Fiercely polemical, it combines personal testimony with a broader indictment of legal, political, and literary elites she believes enabled the abuse. The opening of this memoir sets the stage with an editor’s preface that hails the narrative as a true record of persecution, denounces the lunacy laws, and frames the story against a backdrop of public outrage and establishment complicity, while noting included portraits of the key figures. Rosina then writes in her own voice—addressing a novelist seeking accounts of asylum abuses—declaring she wants no help as she catalogs a system of spies, smears, and legal traps allegedly deployed by her husband: planted libels, attempted entrapments at Llangollen (including a suspected poisoning and “Miss G—” with a decoy dog), collusion via local post and publicans, and harassment by disreputable agents. She recounts a failed legal ruse involving “Mrs. S—LL—,” the disappearance of papers sent to a senior law lord, and the withholding of her allowance. The sequence culminates in her dramatic public confrontation at the Hertford hustings, her husband’s flight from the platform, and, immediately after, an abortive attempt by a doctor and asylum keeper to have her certified insane—foiled, she says, by her composure—followed by a fruitless request that she name terms for peace.
Recently surfaced classics