The History of David Grieve (ePub)

Mary Augusta Ward, better known as Mrs. Humphry Ward, was a distinguished English novelist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries whose work often intersected with her social concerns and activism. Born on June 11, 1851, into an intellectual family, her uncle was the poet Matthew Arnold, and her father Thomas Arnold was an inspector of schools. She was educated at home and later at various schools throughout Europe which enriched her literary background and provided a diverse cultural perspective that influenced her writing. Her marriage to Thomas Humphry Ward, a fellow writer and art critic, allowed her to be acknowledged in literary circles under her married name 'Mrs. Humphry Ward'.

Her literary style often delved into character development and moral concerns, utilizing a detailed narrative that explored the psychological and emotional landscapes of her characters. One of her notable novels, 'The History of David Grieve' (1892), is a testament to her narrative prowess, traversing the life of a young bookseller and his spiritual and intellectual growth. It showcased her fluent prose, social realism, and capacity to weave personal struggle with broader societal issues. Although she faced criticism from suffragette circles for her opposition to women's suffrage, her work in social work, including her founding of the Mary Ward Settlement for education and social progress, highlights her commitment to societal amelioration. Ward's prolific writing career earned her considerable acclaim during her lifetime, amassing a literary output that continues to be studied for its reflection of Victorian and Edwardian society.