Elizabeth von Arnim (1866–1941,) born Mary Annette Beauchamp, was an English novelist known for witty, semi-autobiographical works blending satire, romance, and social commentary.
Born in Sydney, Australia, she later moved to England and studied at the Royal College of Music. In 1891, she married Count Henning August von Arnim-Schlagenthin, a German aristocrat, and lived in Germany, where she wrote her début novel, Elizabeth and Her German Garden (1898.) Published anonymously, it became a bestseller, leading her to adopt the name Elizabeth von Arnim.
Notable works include The Solitary Summer (1899,) a sequel to her début; The Benefactress (1901,) exploring female independence; The Pastor’s Wife (1914,) critiquing marriage and societal expectations; and The Enchanted April (1922,) a romantic novel that inspired a 1992 film adaptation. She also wrote Love (1925,) Father (1931,) and Mr. Skeffington (1940,) later adapted into a 1944 film starring Bette Davis.
Von Arnim had five children. After her first husband’s death, she had a relationship with H.G. Wells before marrying Frank Russell, brother of Bertrand Russell.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Elizabeth von Arnim
What a blessing it is to love books. Everybody must love something, and I know of no objects of love that give such substantial and unfailing returns as books and a garden.
—Elizabeth von Arnim
Topics: Gardening
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