The Life and Letters of Maria Edgeworth, Volume 1   By: Maria Edgeworth (1767-1849)

The Life and Letters of Maria Edgeworth, Volume 1 by Maria Edgeworth offers readers a fascinating and intimate glimpse into the life of one of the most celebrated authors of the early 19th century. Although known primarily for her novels, this collection of letters delves deeper into the personal experiences, relationships, and philosophical ideas that shaped her writing.

What makes this volume special is its scope and breadth. Spanning several decades of Edgeworth's life, the book includes an extensive collection of her letters to friends, family, and even literary contemporaries like Sir Walter Scott. Through these letters, we gain insights into her creative process, her views on literature, and her interactions with other prominent writers of the time.

Edgeworth's correspondence reveals a woman who was not only intellectually vibrant but also deeply engaged in the social and political issues of her era. Her letters discuss topics such as education, women's rights, and the abolition of slavery, all of which demonstrate her progressive mindset and commitment to social reform.

The editor of this volume has done an excellent job in organizing the letters in a way that allows readers to follow the chronological development of Edgeworth's life. The footnotes accompanying the letters provide valuable context, explaining historical events or clarifying references that may be unfamiliar to contemporary readers. This attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience, giving us a fuller understanding of the world in which Edgeworth lived.

Perhaps one of the most captivating aspects of this collection is the glimpse it provides into Edgeworth's personal relationships. Her letters to her family members, particularly her father, reveal a deep affection and respect, as well as the intellectual bond they shared. Additionally, her correspondence with close friends illuminates the camaraderie and strong emotional connections she forged throughout her life.

However, it is worth noting that the book may not be easily accessible to those unfamiliar with Edgeworth's work or the historical context in which she lived. Some prior knowledge of her novels and the political climate of the time will undoubtedly enrich the reading experience. Nevertheless, the publisher has provided a helpful introductory essay that provides a solid foundation for readers who may be coming to Edgeworth's letters for the first time.

In conclusion, The Life and Letters of Maria Edgeworth, Volume 1 offers an engaging portrait of both the public and private life of a literary icon. By weaving together personal correspondence, historical context, and insightful commentary, this volume provides readers with a comprehensive and personal understanding of Maria Edgeworth. It is a book that will undoubtedly satisfy the curious reader's desire to dig deeper into the life of this remarkable author and thinker.

First Page:

In her later years Miss Edgeworth was often asked to write a biographical preface to her novels. She refused. "As a woman," she said, "my life, wholly domestic, can offer nothing of interest to the public." Incidents indeed, in that quiet happy home existence, there were none to narrate, nothing but the ordinary joys and sorrows which attend every human life. Yet the letters of one so clear sighted and sagacious one whom Macaulay considered to be the second woman of her age are valuable, not only as a record of her times, and of many who were prominent figures in them: but from the picture they naturally give of a simple, honest, generous, high minded character, filled from youth to age with love and goodwill to her fellow creatures, and a desire for their highest good. An admirable collection of Miss Edgeworth's letters was printed after her death by her stepmother and lifelong friend, but only for private circulation. As all her generation has long since passed away, Mr. Edgeworth of Edgeworthstown now permits that these letters should be read beyond the limits of the family circle. An editor has had little more to do than to make a selection, and to write such a thread of biography as might unite the links of the chain... Continue reading book >>