Anna Mary Howitt

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Anna Mary Howitt

Anna Mary Howitt (12 March 1824 – 30 July 1884) was an English poet, author, and translator. She was born in Heidelberg, Germany, to the famous Quaker family of William Howitt and Mary Botham. Anna Mary Howitt was known for her literary works, particularly her poetry and translations of Scandinavian literature.

Early Life

Anna Mary Howitt was born on 12 March 1824 in Heidelberg, Germany, where her parents were living at the time. Her father, William Howitt, was a well-known writer and poet, and her mother, Mary Botham, was also a writer and social reformer. The family moved back to England when Anna Mary was still young, and she grew up in the literary circles of London.

Literary Career

Anna Mary Howitt began her literary career at a young age, publishing her first poem at the age of 15. She went on to write poetry, essays, and translations throughout her life. She was particularly interested in Scandinavian literature and translated several works from Swedish and Danish into English.

One of Anna Mary Howitt's most well-known works is her translation of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales. Her translations were praised for their lyrical quality and faithfulness to the original texts. In addition to her translations, Howitt also wrote original poetry and essays on a variety of subjects.

Personal Life

Anna Mary Howitt never married and lived with her parents for most of her life. She was a close friend of the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the novelist George Eliot. Howitt was known for her intelligence and wit, and she was a popular figure in London literary circles.

Legacy

Anna Mary Howitt's literary works have been largely forgotten in modern times, but she was a respected poet and translator in her day. Her translations of Scandinavian literature helped to introduce English-speaking audiences to the works of writers such as Hans Christian Andersen and Fredrika Bremer. Howitt's poetry and essays were also well-received during her lifetime.