Molly Bawn

by Margaret Wolfe Hungerford, The Duchess

Margaret Wolfe Hungerford, née Hamilton, (1855-1897), was an Irish novelist whose light romantic fiction was popular in England and America in the late 19th century. As a child she enjoyed making up stories, and won prizes for her writing at school. She was educated at Portarlington College. She wrote her first novel Phyliss (1877) when she was 18 years old. Soon after its favourable reception, she wrote Molly Bawn (1878), which became her most well-known book. She was one of the few women in Victorian times who was both a prolific author and mother of a sizeable family. She approached her writing methodically, setting aside three hours every morning for it. The room where she did her writing had neatly organized manuscripts at her desk, surrounded by many reference works, novels, and other books. Her books were first published anonymously, and later as by "Mrs. Hungerford". In the United States, her books were mostly published under the pen name "The Duchess". Amongst her other works are The Haunted Chamber (1886) and A Little Rebel (1890).

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1878

About the author

She was born in County Cork, Ireland. As a child she enjoyed making up stories, and won prizes for her writing at school. She was educated at Portarlington College.

Her books were first published anonymously, and later as by "Mrs. Hungerford." In the United States, her books were mostly published under the pen name "The Duchess." Some of her early books were published by William Tinsley, a major publisher at the time.

She died at Bandon of typhoid fever.

Reviews

[Patrizia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Credo che sia il più famoso dei libri di The Duchess, ma l'ho trovato un po' meno avvincente di Faith and Unfaith. Nonostante qualche romanticheria di troppo, un gran bel romanzo.

[Emily]

Mid Victorian melodrama, featuring a spoiled and flirty lead who is ultimately good hearted, the young officer she strings along in a very on again off again engagement, a pair of scheming cousins, a young estranged married couple, and a ginger to cause chaos at every country house he visits. Lots of catty asides and flirting over tea cups. Ultimately a quick, light read. Victorian romantic comedy.

[Judi Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read from this author. I was hooked and wanted more books by the Duchess.