Edinburgh’s writers are distinct from their counterparts. And this has little to do with vanity or the desire to “place themselves above” others. Next on edinburghka.
The thing is, these individuals have a remarkable gift that allows them to address the most relevant and interesting topics in their books. And the paradox is that contemporary authors, in terms of their talent, are not inferior to those who created works many years ago.
Susan Edmondston Ferrier is one such Scottish writer whose life and work spanned the 18th and 19th centuries. Yet her works, which vividly depict Scottish life, have become a significant part of literary heritage.
Early Years
Susan was born on September 7, 1782.
Her family was relatively wealthy, which allowed her to receive a private education.
Additionally, Susan’s parents were well-connected with many prominent figures of the time, and the young girl had the unique opportunity to interact with real geniuses. Among these figures were Walter Scott and Henry Mackenzie.
“Creative Summer”
When Susan’s mother passed away, she had to take over the household responsibilities since her father was left alone, and her three older sisters were already married.
However, like many wealthy families in Edinburgh, they rented a country house for the summer months.
It was during one such summer that Susan wrote her work The Inheritance. Although she initially wished for it to be published anonymously, her identity as the author was eventually revealed. It’s no surprise that Susan started gaining fans for her writing.
More About Her Works
The aforementioned The Inheritance was her second work.
Her debut novel was Marriage, written in 1810. The book, in line with the author’s wishes, was published anonymously in 1818 through the Edinburgh firm of William Blackwood. The book became an immense success, and the publisher paid her £150 for it.
When her second work The Inheritance was written, Blackwood offered her £1,000 for the rights to publish it.
What makes Susan’s works stand out is the delicate balance of moral reflection and irony. This feature of her writing is what made her books beloved by readers.
Her third novel, Destiny, was dedicated to Walter Scott. Later, she learned that publisher Robert Cadell was willing to pay £1,700 for it.
Selling the Rights
In 1841, Susan made the decision to sell the rights to her three novels. The rights were purchased by Richard Bentley, who later reissued the works with illustrations and author revisions.
Personal Preferences
Talking about Susan’s biography, it’s worth mentioning that her personal literary preferences can be gleaned from her letters.
She was genuinely fascinated by Walter Scott and Jane Austen. However, she openly despised John Gibson Lockhart and John Galt.
Friendship with a Genius
It’s important to highlight that Susan and Scott shared a close friendship. They truly enjoyed each other’s company, likely because they saw reflections of their own character traits in each other.
In 1811, 1839, and 1831, Susan visited Scott, first at Ashiestiel House and later at Abbotsford House.
Scott later spoke fondly of the time he spent with Susan, praising her not only for her enormous talent but also for her ability to hold a conversation rich with subtle humor. According to Scott, this trait was not common among women.
The Popularity of Her Books
Susan’s creative talent allowed her to write works that were incredibly popular throughout the 19th century. Readers especially appreciated the subtle blend of humor and vivid depictions of Scottish society, as well as her sharp views on marriage and women’s education. This unique style ensured that her books could never be mistaken for the works of other authors.
Despite a decline in demand for her books in the 20th century, her novel Marriage continued to be published even after World War II.
The last years of Susan Ferrier’s life were marked by significant challenges. She began to suffer serious vision problems, which led her to live a near-reclusive life.
Susan Ferrier passed away on November 5, 1854. However, during her lifetime, this talented individual wrote works that became a true embodiment of her artistic brilliance.
Moreover, Susan was fortunate to experience the recognition and respect of her readers while she was still alive, something many other figures can’t claim. Not only was she graced by the muse of literature, but she was also favored by the hand of fortune.