The Autobiography and Letters of Mrs M. O. W. Oliphant

The Scots novelist and historical writer Margaret Oliphant (1828-97) wrote over a hundred works ranging from domestic fiction, to historical and regional novels, to literary criticism. She remains famous for the ‘Chronicles of Carlingford’, which sketch the religious and domestic politics of a provincial community, and in particular for the most popular novel in the cycle, Miss Marjoribanks (1866). Published posthumously in 1899, Oliphant’s autobiography brings together fragments written in 1860, 1864, and towards the end of her life, originally written for her sons. These texts were edited by Oliphant’s cousin and supplemented by selected letters - including Oliphant’s correspondence with the Blackwood family, who published much of her work, and with close family members - to bridge narrative gaps. Focusing on Oliphant’s personal life as a mother, widow, and prolific author, this work provides valuable insights into the condition of women in the Victorian era.