Old Lady Mary (ePub)

Mrs. Oliphant, born Margaret Oliphant Wilson Oliphant (1828-1897), was a prominent 19th-century Scottish novelist, biographer, and literary critic. With a literary career that spanned over 50 years, Mrs. Oliphant wrote more than 120 works encompassing fiction, history, and biography, demonstrating a prolificacy that made her a central figure in Victorian literature. 'Old Lady Mary' is one of the many novels she penned, showcasing her adeptness at combining supernatural elements with domestic realism, a hallmark of her literary style.

Oliphant was known for her narrative dexterity and her ability to blend the concerns of the domestic sphere with broader social issues. Her writing often focused on the lives of women, providing insightful commentary on the gender dynamics and societal expectations of her time. As a widow supporting her children, Oliphant negotiated the dual demands of motherhood and authorship, imbuing her work with a lived authenticity that resonated with her readers. Despite the challenges of her personal life, including financial difficulties and the loss of her 10 children and husband, she maintained a stoic front and continued to contribute significantly to Victorian literature, with other notable works including 'The Chronicles of Carlingford' and 'Miss Marjoribanks'. Her legacy endures in the canon of 19th-century British literature, highlighting the blend of moral gravity and genteel satire that characterized her oeuvre.