Frances Brooke
Frances Brooke (1724-1789) was a prominent British writer and editor of the 18th century, known for her significant contributions to literature and cultural commentary. Born into an Anglican clergyman's family, she faced early adversity with the loss of her parents and subsequently lived with relatives until she reached adulthood. In London, she gained recognition as the editor of the influential periodical *The Old Maid*, which addressed contemporary cultural and political issues. Brooke's literary career flourished with the publication of her first novel, *The History of Lady Julia Mandeville*, in 1763, which enjoyed considerable popularity.
After marrying a rector and spending time with him in Canada, she made a notable mark on North American literature with her work *The History of Emily Montague*, recognized as the first novel published in Canada and North America. Upon returning to England, Brooke re-engaged with literary circles and produced plays, essays, and librettos, further solidifying her reputation. Her work has garnered scholarly attention, particularly in the context of colonial and feminist studies, reflecting her enduring impact on literature and cultural discourse in both Britain and North America.
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Subject Terms
Frances Brooke
Writer
- Born: January 24, 1724
- Birthplace: Claypole, Lincolnshire, England
- Died: January 23, 1789
Biography
The eldest of three daughters born into an Anglican clergyman’s family, Frances Brooke lost her parents at an early age and lived with relatives in Lincolnshire until the age of twenty-four. She found success in London as an editor of the popular weekly publication The Old Maid, a review with commentary on cultural and political issues of the day This periodical ended its days about the same time as Brooke’s marriage to a rector in Norfolk. Her early poems, translations, and fiction pieces found favor, and in 1763 her first novel appeared to considerable popular acclaim. The History of Lady Julia Mandeville went through a number of editions in subsequent years. Brooke became one of the better-known literary figures of eighteenth century England. After her husband had labored in Canada as a military chaplain for several years, Brooke joined him for five socially active years in Quebec. There she wrote the first novel of Canada and North America: The History of Emily Montague. It was published in Britain in 1769, the year after her return. After her return to England, Brooke reentered literary circles, wrote plays, essays and librettos and directed stage productions. Her life and works would become the subjects of many scholars on both sides of the Atlantic after World War I, when both colonial and feminist themes began to grow in popularity among academics.
