Marie Corelli
Marie Corelli
Full Name and Common Aliases
Marie Corelli was born Mary Mackay on May 1, 1855. She is commonly known as Marie Corelli, a pen name she adopted early in her career.
Birth and Death Dates
May 1, 1855 – April 21, 1924
Nationality and Profession(s)
British author, novelist, and mystic
Marie Corelli's writing spanned multiple genres, including romance, science fiction, philosophy, and spirituality. She was a prolific author, publishing over 20 novels during her lifetime.
Early Life and Background
Born in London to Scottish parents, Marie Corelli grew up in a family that valued the arts and literature. Her father, John Mackay, was an advocate for women's rights and education. Marie's early life was marked by tragedy when she lost both her mother and sister at a young age.
Major Accomplishments
Published over 20 novels, including _Ardath: The Story of a Dead Self_ (1898), _The Soul of Lilith_ (1893), and _The Master Mummer_ (1895)
Developed a unique writing style that blended elements of mysticism, spirituality, and philosophical inquiry
* Gained international recognition for her novels, which were translated into multiple languages
Notable Works or Actions
Marie Corelli's writing often explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Her novels typically featured complex characters, intricate plots, and a deep sense of psychological insight. _Ardath: The Story of a Dead Self_ is considered one of her masterpieces, exploring issues of identity, morality, and the nature of existence.
Impact and Legacy
Marie Corelli's impact on literature extends beyond her own writing. Her influence can be seen in the works of later authors such as J.M. Barrie, H.G. Wells, and D.H. Lawrence. She was a pioneering figure for women writers, paving the way for future generations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Marie Corelli's writing continues to captivate readers with its unique blend of mysticism, philosophy, and literary skill. Her novels offer insights into the human condition, exploring themes that remain relevant today. As a leading figure in British literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Marie Corelli's legacy endures through her published works and the impact she had on fellow writers.
Marie Corelli's life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. She struggled with personal demons, including financial difficulties and public scandal. Yet, despite these challenges, she continued to write and publish novels that captured the hearts of readers worldwide.
In an era where women authors were often relegated to secondary status, Marie Corelli stood out as a bold and innovative voice in literature. Her writing reflected her interests in mysticism and spirituality, which was not typical for female writers during this period.
Today, Marie Corelli's novels remain widely read and studied. Her influence can be seen in the works of later authors who explored similar themes of identity, morality, and the human condition. As a testament to her enduring legacy, readers continue to find solace and inspiration in her published works.
Quotes by Marie Corelli
Dowered with great historic names which they almost despise, they do their best to drag the memory of their ancient lineage into dishonour by vulgar passions, low tastes, and a scorn as well as lack of true intelligence. Let us not talk of them. The English aristocracy was once a magnificent tree, but its broad boughs are fallen, – lopped off and turned into saleable timber, – and there is but a decaying stump of it left.
I am not so sure about that,” he returned. “No one is contented in this world, I believe. There is always something left to desire, and the last thing longed for always seems the most necessary to happiness.” “The truest philosophy,” said Heliobas, “is not to long for anything in particular, but to accept everything as it comes, and find out the reason of its coming.
Fame, or notoriety, whichever that special noise may be called when the world like a hound ‘gives tongue’ and announces that the quarry in some form of genius is at bay, is apt to increase its clamor in proportion to the aloofness of the pursued animal...
Well I am glad I have something of the fool in my disposition – foolishness being the only quality that makes wisdom possible.
There was something else, – something quite undefinable, that gave a singular glow and radiance to the whole countenance, and suggested the burning of a light through alabaster, – a creeping of some subtle fire through the veins which made the fair body seem the mere reflection of some greater fairness within.
Listen to the silence of the earth while the lark sings! Have you ever observed the receptive attitude in which Nature seems to wait for sounds divine!
But a man gifted with original thoughts and the power of expressing them, appears to be regarded by everyone in authority as much worse than the worst criminal, and all the ‘jacks-in-office’ unite to kick him to death if they can.
The hypocrisy and social sham of the world, and that I have mastered the following hard truths of life – that there is no love without lust – no friendship without self-interest – no religion without avarice – and no so-called virtue without its accompanying stronger vice. Who, knowing these things, would care to take part in them!
And indeed she did not. I thought she had a tired, dragged appearance, but I would not say so. I knew her well, and I was perfectly aware that though she was fascinating and elegant in every way, her life was too much engrossed in trifles ever to yield her healthy satisfaction.