Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924,) originally Frances Eliza Hodgson, was a British-born American novelist. She is best known for her 40 novels and children’s books that emphasize sentimental and romantic themes.
Born in Manchester, England, Burnett had a childhood marked by financial instability and challenges. Her family’s move to the United States in 1865 marked a turning point in her life. She initially worked for magazines like Godey’s, Peterson’s Ladies’ Magazine, Scribner’s Monthly, and Harper’s, gradually building her reputation as a storyteller.
In 1877, Burnett published her first novel, That Lass o’ Lowrie’s, which highlighted her unique blend of realistic working-class scenes with romantic plot twists. She went on to write novels such as Haworth’s (1879,) Louisiana (1880,) A Fair Barbarian (1881,) and Through One Administration (1883.) She also collaborated on the play Esmeralda (1881) with actor-playwright William Gillette.
However, her true breakthrough came with Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886,) a heartwarming tale of a young American boy who discovers he’s heir to a British earldom. Its immense popularity even influenced fashion trends. She followed this success with The Secret Garden (1911,) a beloved classic, and Sara Crewe (1888,) dramatized as The Little Princess (1905,) highlighting a girl’s resilience in adversity. The Secret Garden (1909) was another work for children, while The Lady of Quality (1896) was considered her best play.
Burnett penned a memoir, The One I Knew Best of All (1893,) and her son, Vivian Burnett, the model for Little Lord Fauntleroy, wrote her biography, The Romantick Lady (1927.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I am writing in the garden. To write as one should of a garden one must write not outside it or merely somewhere near it, but in the garden.
—Frances Hodgson Burnett
Topics: Gardening
It is astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen.
—Frances Hodgson Burnett
At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope that it can be done, then they see that it can be done—then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.
—Frances Hodgson Burnett
Topics: Change
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