E. M. Almedingen
E. M. Almedingen, born Martha Edith von Almedingen on July 21, 1898, in St. Petersburg, Russia, was a notable novelist and biographer who authored over sixty books throughout her career. The daughter of a chemistry professor, she received her education at Xenia Nobility College, excelling in history and literature, and later earned her doctorate from Petrograd University. Almedingen's academic journey included teaching positions at both Petrograd University and Oxford University, where she specialized in English medieval history and Russian literature.
Her writing was characterized by a strong foundation in historical fact and a commitment to making history accessible to a general audience, rather than just historians. Almedingen's biographies and autobiographical novels were particularly well-received, reflecting her belief that work was essential to her existence. A member of the Royal Society of Literature, she made a significant impact on readers by vividly portraying the everyday experiences of historical periods. E. M. Almedingen passed away in 1971, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary contributions.
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E. M. Almedingen
- Born: July 21, 1898
- Birthplace: St. Petersburg, Russia
- Died: March 5, 1971
- Place of death: England
Biography
Martha Edith von Almedingen, who published as E. M. Almedingen, was born July 21, 1898, in St. Petersburg, Russia. She was the daughter of A. N. von Almedingen, a chemistry professor. She was educated privately before she entered Xenia Nobility College, where she received the highest honors in history and literature. Almedingen attended Petrograd University in Petrograd, Russia, earning her doctorate between 1916 and 1920. After finishing her studies, she taught at Petrograd University in 1921 and 1922 as a lecturer on English medieval history and literature. She went on to lecture at Oxford University in Oxford England on Russian history and literature. She died in 1971.
She was noted as a novelist and biographer who wrote over sixty books, explaining that “work is as necessary as air and bread to me.” Almedingen’s biographies and autobiographical novels were perhaps her most successful and popular works. Her study of history and literature led her to write historical novels, which were well grounded in fact, and based on documents from the period about which she was writing. At the same time, she was able to connect with young readers by illustrating the day-to-day dramatic realities of historical periods. She did not write for historians; she wrote for the general public. Almedingen was a member of the Royal Society of Literature.