Lady William

· Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
376
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

Excerpt: "The village of Watcham is not a village in the ordinary sense of the word, and yet it is a very pretty place, with a charming picturesque aspect, and of which people say, 'What a pretty village!' when they come upon its little landing-place on the riverside, or drive through its old-fashioned green, where some of the surrounding houses look as if they had come out of the seventeenth century, and some as if they had come out of the picture-books of Mr. Randolph Caldecott. It is a village of genteel little houses where a great many people live who have pretensions, but are poor: and some who have no pretensions and yet are poor all the same, and find the little, fresh, airy villa houses, with their small rooms and little gardens, a wonderful relief from London, even from the suburbs which are almost as rural as Watcham. Watcham, however, has various advantages over Hampstead or Wimbledon. It is close by the river, where a little quiet boating may be had without any fear of plunging into the mob of excursionists from London on one side, who make some portions of that river hideous, or the more elegant mob of society on the other, who do not add to its charm. But I need not linger on the attractions of this little place, with which the reader will, no doubt, if he (or she) has patience enough, become well acquainted in time."

About the author

Margaret Oliphant Wilson Oliphant, commonly known as Mrs. Oliphant, was a prolific Scottish novelist, biographer, and historical writer of the 19th century. Born on April 4, 1828, in Wallyford, Scotland, she emerged as a literary force with an impressive oeuvre that spanned over 120 novels, numerous short stories, and critical essays. Her works often explored themes of domestic life, social issues, and the supernatural, reflecting the complexities of Victorian society.Mrs. Oliphant's life was marked by personal tragedy and resilience. Widowed at a young age, she became the sole breadwinner for her family, a role she embraced with remarkable tenacity. Her ability to balance prolific writing with personal hardship has intrigued modern readers, offering a poignant glimpse into the life of a woman who defied the constraints of her time.A contemporary of Charles Dickens and George Eliot, Mrs. Oliphant was both a peer and a critic of her fellow writers. Her literary criticism, particularly her work on the "Victorian Age of English Literature," showcased her deep understanding of the literary landscape and her willingness to challenge prevailing norms.Notably, Mrs. Oliphant's exploration of spiritualism and the supernatural set her apart from many of her contemporaries. Her fascination with these themes predated the broader cultural interest that would later emerge in the late Victorian era, positioning her as a forerunner in the genre.Despite her significant contributions, Mrs. Oliphant's work often flew under the radar, overshadowed by her male counterparts. However, her nuanced portrayal of women's inner lives and societal roles has garnered renewed interest, making her a subject of study for those interested in feminist literary history.In sum, Mrs. Oliphant's legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and a profound understanding of the human condition, ensuring her place in the annals of literary history.

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