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Amanda DouglasAmerican writer
Date of Birth: 14.07.1841
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Amanda Douglas: A Renowned American Author
- Writing Career
- Literary Success
- Prolific Writer
- Recognition and Awards
- Personal Life
- Death and Legacy
Amanda Douglas: A Renowned American Author
Early Life and EducationAmanda Douglas was born in New York City to John Douglas and Elizabeth Horton. She spent her childhood in both the city and the countryside, living for several years on a farm in Poughkeepsie, New York. In New York, she received her education, specializing in design.
Writing Career
Douglas's financial circumstances forced her to begin working at a young age. She found employment as a writer and demonstrated exceptional talent in that field. She started out writing short stories and poems, which were published in local newspapers. Her reputation gradually grew, leading to her work being featured in more prestigious publications such as The New York Ledger, Saturday Evening Post, and Lady's Friend Magazine.
Literary Success
Douglas's first major novel, "In Trust," was published in 1866 and sold over 20,000 copies. Its success encouraged her to continue writing and taught her the importance of retaining the copyrights to her work. This lesson proved invaluable as she received little financial benefit from "In Trust." However, her subsequent works brought her significant earnings.
Prolific Writer
Douglas was an incredibly prolific writer, publishing at least one novel per year until her retirement in 1913. Her first series of children's books, "Kathie," was published in 1870. It followed the typical didactic nature of 19th-century children's literature. Her next series, "Little Girl," was more groundbreaking and is considered one of the earliest examples of historical fiction for girls.
Recognition and Awards
In 1893, Douglas received a substantial prize of $2,000 from the Youth's Companion for her book "Larry."
Personal Life
In 1853, Douglas and her family moved to Newark, New Jersey, where she lived for the rest of her life. She was actively involved in the literary life of Newark and was a prominent member of the Newark woman's literary group, the Ray Palmer Club, and the New Jersey Women's Press Club. Douglas was acquainted with Edgar Allan Poe and was a friend of Louisa May Alcott, the author of "Little Women."
Death and Legacy
Amanda Douglas passed away on July 18, 1916, just four days after her 85th birthday. She was buried alongside her sister, Annie, in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Douglas's work was highly esteemed both during her lifetime and after her death. Her books continue to occupy a place of honor on library shelves.
