Mary Howitt
Full Name and Common Aliases
Mary Howitt was born Mary Moses on March 13, 1799, in Derbyshire, England. She is often referred to as Mary Molesworth or Mary Chavelita Spark.
Birth and Death Dates
March 13, 1799 - December 30, 1888
Nationality and Profession(s)
British poet, writer, and translator
Mary Howitt was a prolific writer who wrote poetry, novels, short stories, and children's literature. She is best known for her contributions to the Transcendentalist movement in America.
Early Life and Background
Born into a family of modest means, Mary Moses (later Howitt) grew up surrounded by books and encouraged to read from an early age. Her love for poetry and writing began at a young age, and she started composing her own verse as a teenager.
In 1821, Mary married William Howitt, a writer and poet who became a close friend of the influential poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This connection led to Mary's introduction to the literary world and eventually to the United States, where she would become an important figure in the Transcendentalist movement.
Major Accomplishments
Mary Howitt's writing career spanned over four decades and earned her international recognition. Some of her notable works include:
_Visits to Remarkable Places_ (1842) - a travelogue that showcased the wonders of America
_The Country Printer of Twelve Years Ago_ (1855) - a collection of short stories and poems that highlighted the American spirit
* _Old Friends and Favourite Studies_ (1877) - a book of essays that celebrated literary figures and works from her time
Notable Works or Actions
Mary Howitt's poetry often focused on themes of nature, love, and social justice. Her writing aimed to inspire readers to live in harmony with the environment and to promote equality among all people.
In addition to her literary contributions, Mary was an advocate for women's rights and education. She believed that women should have equal opportunities for personal growth and intellectual development.
Impact and Legacy
Mary Howitt played a significant role in popularizing American literature in England and promoting Transcendentalist ideas across the Atlantic. Her writing continues to be admired for its beauty, insight, and commitment to social justice.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mary Howitt's legacy extends far beyond her literary achievements. She remains an important figure in feminist history as a pioneering advocate for women's rights and education.
Quotes by Mary Howitt
I know he’s coming by this sign, That baby’s almost wild; See how he laughs and crows and starts – Heaven, bless the merry child! He’s father’s self in face and limb, And father’s heart is strong in him. Shout, baby, shout! and clap thy hands, For father on the threshold stands.
When on the breath of Autumn’s breeze, From pastures dry and brown, Goes floating, like an idle thought, The fair, white thistle-down; O, then what joy to walk at will, Upon the golden harvest-hill!
Roads are wet where’er one wendeth, And with rain the thistle bendeth, And the brook cries like a child! Not a rainbow shines to cheer us; Ah! the sun comes never near us, And the heavens look dark and wile.
Heart’s ease! one could look for half a day Upon this flower, and shape in fancy out Full twenty different tales of love and sorrow, That gave this gentle name.
God sends children for another purpose than merely to keep up the race – to enlarge our hearts, to make us unselfish, and full of kindly sympathies and affections.
Yes, in the poor man’s garden grow Far more than herbs and flowers – Kind thoughts, contentment, peace of mind, And Joy for weary hours.
The wild sea roars and lashes the granite cliffs below,And round the misty islets the loud strong tempests blow.
Yes, in the poor man's garden grow Far more than herbs and flowers - Kind thoughts, contentment, peace of mind, And Joy for weary hours.