Subject
Women authors, English -- Biography Books
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Pen-portraits of literary women : $b by themselves and others, Volume 2 (of 2)
"Pen-portraits of Literary Women: By Themselves and Others, Volume 2" edited by Helen Gray Cone and Jeannette L. Gilder is a collection of biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. This compilation presents the lives and thoughts of prominent female writers of the time, such as Harriet Martineau, Aurore Dupin (George Sand), Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and George Eliot, revealing their struggles, contributions, and the societal expectations that shaped their writing. At the start of the volume, readers are introduced to the life of Harriet Martineau, reflecting on her challenging upbringing, intellectual pursuits, and significant literary accomplishments despite her deafness and financial hardships. The opening portion delves into Martineau's early life, highlighting the various educational experiences that shaped her, her initial forays into writing, and the significant influence of her family dynamics on her career path. It lays a foundation for understanding how her determination and literary contributions would eventually lead her to become an influential figure in literature and social thought.
Helen C. Black
Notable Women Authors of the Day: Biographical Sketches
"Notable Women Authors of the Day: Biographical Sketches" by Helen C. Black is a collection of biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. The book highlights various notable women authors, offering insights into their lives, careers, and contributions to literature. The opening portion introduces several key figures, including Mrs. Lynn Linton and her impressive literary background, as well as Mrs. Riddell, who shares her journey from a modest village to becoming a recognized novelist. At the start of the work, readers are welcomed into the lives of prominent women authors through detailed descriptions of their personal environments and interactions. The narrative begins with Mrs. Lynn Linton, depicted as a poised and kind literary figure whose early struggles, rigorous self-education, and eventual success in journalism and novel writing are laid out. Following her introduction, the text transitions to Mrs. Riddell, who recounts her experiences in the quaint village of Upper Halliford, her familial background, and the challenges she faced upon moving to London to pursue her literary ambitions. Together, these sketches set the stage for a deeper exploration of the achievements and obstacles faced by women in literature during this era.
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Pen-portraits of literary women : $b by themselves and others, Volume 1 (of 2)
"Pen-Portraits of Literary Women: By Themselves and Others, Volume 1" edited by Helen Gray Cone and Jeannette L. Gilder is a collection of biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. The work seeks to highlight the lives and contributions of notable literary women, focusing on their personal traits, accomplishments, and the societal contexts in which they lived. It aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of these women's significance in the literary landscape. The opening of the volume presents an introduction to the first featured author, Hannah More, detailing her early life, education, and the impact of her family background. It describes her successful career as both a writer and educator, her philanthropic efforts, and notable relationships with contemporaries like Dr. Johnson. Sexual and societal expectations are explored in relation to her work, and her struggles with health and personal loss are recounted, reflecting a mix of admiration and a modern perspective on her relevance and influence as a woman in literature. The beginning sets the tone for a rich exploration of women's literary contributions, supported by historical context and personal anecdotes.
Mary Sturgeon
Michael Field
"Michael Field" by Mary Sturgeon is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the lives and works of two remarkable women poets, Katharine Bradley and Edith Cooper, who collaborated under the pseudonym Michael Field. It likely delves into their literary contributions, personal experiences, and the challenges they faced as female poets in a predominantly male literary world, shedding light on their complex relationship and the nature of their artistic endeavors. The opening of the text introduces the author’s admiration for Michael Field's poetry, noting a lack of recognition for their work and the desire to highlight both their literary achievements and their personal story, which is described as “epical in romance and heroism.” The author recalls a dinner party where Robert Browning reveals the existence of Michael Field, only to find that the audience is unaware that this name stands for two women rather than a single male poet. We learn about the early lives of Bradley and Cooper, their strong familial bonds, and their mutual dedication to poetry, setting the stage for their combined literary journey and the profound impact of their lives on their artistic output.
Annie Besant
Autobiographical Sketches
"Autobiographical Sketches" by Annie Besant is a collection of personal reflections and narrative excerpts that provide insight into the author's life, written during the late 19th century. The work delves into Besant's early experiences, familial relationships, and formative moments, capturing her evolution from a delicate childhood in London to her aspirations and struggles as a young woman. The opening of the book introduces Besant as a child born into a family with rich cultural and historical backgrounds, explicating her mother's Irish heritage and her father's medical profession. She recounts vivid memories from her early years, from the warmth of her mother's affection to the influence of her extended family, especially her proud maiden aunt. Besant reflects on key events, such as her father's death when she was a young child and the profound impact of his absence on her mother's life. Throughout this opening section, themes of familial love, loss, and the shaping of identity emerge, setting the stage for the author's contemplative journey as she navigates her upbringing amid the societal expectations and personal convictions of her time.
Anne Thackeray Ritchie
A Book of Sibyls: Miss Barbauld, Miss Edgeworth, Mrs Opie, Miss Austen
"A Book of Sibyls: Miss Barbauld, Miss Edgeworth, Mrs Opie, Miss Austen" by Ritchie is a biographical collection written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the lives and literary contributions of four prominent female authors from the early 19th century, namely Anna Lætitia Barbauld, Maria Edgeworth, Amelia Opie, and Jane Austen. These women significantly shaped the landscape of English literature, and their stories reflect both their personal experiences and the broader societal changes they navigated as female writers of their time. The opening of the text introduces Mrs. Barbauld, recounting the admiration she garnered as an author and educator, emphasizing her role in children's literature and her connections to significant literary figures of her day. The narrative captures nostalgic memories of Barbauld's peaceful rural upbringing and her scholarly household, detailing her early education and her literary journey as she transitioned from teaching to writing. In this portion, Ritchie sketches a portrait of Barbauld's character, revealing her sociability, literary talent, and the trials she endured, providing readers with a rich context for understanding the life and impact of a pioneering female writer in a male-dominated literary world.
Helen C. Black
Mrs. Hungerford Notable Women Authors of the Day
"Mrs. Hungerford" by Helen C. Black is a biographical article published in the early 20th century that focuses on the life and work of the renowned Irish author known for her popular novels, such as "Molly Bawn." The piece explores not only her literary achievements but also her personal life, providing readers with insights into her character and domestic existence as a mother and writer. Through this portrayal, the article sheds light on the vibrant world of late 19th century and early 20th century literature, underlining the themes of domesticity, creativity, and the unique experiences of women authors during that era. The article takes readers into the warm and charming environment of Mrs. Hungerford's home, St. Brenda's, where the author balances her literary career with family life amid the enchanting landscapes of Cork. It describes her writing process—a blend of spontaneity and deliberate organization, as she often jots down ideas drawn from everyday life and conversations. Describing her personality as vivacious and engaging, the text captures her interactions with her children and husband, while also detailing her gardening passion and literary output. The narrative highlights her popularity not only in Ireland but also in America and Australia, illustrating her impact on readers and her innovative approach to storytelling filled with wit and pathos. Overall, the article offers a rich glimpse into the life of a female author whose works resonate with timeless themes of love, family, and the human experience.
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