Margaret Oliphant Wilson Oliphant
- Born:
- 4 April 1828, Wallyford, Musselburgh, Scotland
- Died:
- 25 June 1897, Wimbledon, England
- Nationality:
- Scottish
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Biographer, Literary Critic
Early Life and Education
- Largely self-educated, moving frequently in her youth.
- Showed early talent for writing.
- Family circumstances necessitated early professional writing.
Career and Major Achievements
- Prolific writer, publishing over 90 novels and numerous short stories, biographies, and critical essays.
- Contributed extensively to Blackwood's Magazine.
- Established herself as a major voice in Victorian literature.
- Her works covered a wide range of subjects, from Scottish life to supernatural themes.
- Gained popularity for her skillful portrayal of middle-class life.
Notable Works
- Passages in the Life of Mrs. Margaret Maitland (1849)
- Katie Stewart (1853)
- Salem Chapel (1863)
- Miss Marjoribanks (1866)
- Hester (1883)
- A Beleaguered City (1880)
- Historical Sketches of the Reign of Queen Anne (1872)
Legacy and Impact
Margaret Oliphant was a highly successful and prolific Victorian author. While initially considered a popular novelist, modern critical attention has reappraised her work, acknowledging her insightful commentary on Victorian society and the complexities of women's lives. Some modern scholarship focuses on Margaret Oliphant autobiography analysis, considering its value as both a biographical document and a work of art. She left behind a substantial body of work that continues to be studied for its literary merit and historical significance.