Maria Edgeworth

Biography

(1767-1849)

Partially because of her father's encouragement, and partially in spite of his overbearing and controlling nature, Mary Edgeworth became one of the more notable female writers of 18th century England. Born in Oxfordshire, England, she spent time in Ireland and later on the Continent. She wrote novels, essays, and several collections of children's stories. Her first publication was a proto-feminist essay about women's education, titled "Letters to Literary ladies" (1795). Among her more notable novels are Castle Rackrent(1800), Belinda(1801), and The Absentee(1812). Her nonfiction includes, among others, "Essay on Irish Bulls" (1802), and her father's life story, simply titled Memoirs.(1820). She was well known among English literary circles and was acquainted with Lord Byron, Humphrey Davy, and Sir Walter Scott. Edgeworth also worked to helped in the Irish Potato Famine relief effort.

(Compiled by Joey Franklin)

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Essays by Maria Edgeworth

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