Edinburgh is truly stunning, with its beautiful sights and historical landmarks. It leaves an incredible impression on anyone who visits. If you come to this city as a tourist, rest assured, you’ll definitely feel the urge to return. The atmosphere here is so unique that once you experience it, you feel like you’re immersed in something special. Edinburghka will tell you more.
However, the beauty of the city’s architecture, monuments, and museums is not all there is to it. Edinburgh is also famous for its people.
It seems that this city is a birthplace of talents. Many famous personalities born here are bright examples of this truth.
Ann Jane Capples is one of them. Her writing talent was primarily directed towards a young audience. Interestingly, various critics believe that she used her literary work to fill a personal void related to her inability to have children.
Whether that’s the case or not, one thing is undeniable: Ann Capples is rightly considered one of Edinburgh’s most talented natives. Her books became very popular with readers, and they were published by prestigious publishing houses. But let’s take it step by step.
Early Years
Ann was born on January 4, 1839, in Edinburgh.
At the age of 19, she married George Capples, a respected writer who was much older than her.
George’s influence likely played a role in Ann’s career choice, as he was a significant figure in the literary world. Additionally, he had a deep interest in literature, and it’s possible that his passion for the field ignited the same love in his young wife.
Writing Career
Whatever the reasons, over time, Mrs. Capples began to show her writing talent. Her first work, Unexpected Pleasures or Left Alone in the Holidays, was published in 1868 when she was 29. According to many biographers and critics, this was the time when Ann realized that she would not have children. So, through writing, she channeled her time and energy into creating books for other people’s children.
New Books
In 1869, Ann again delighted her fans with a new book, Norrie Seton or Driven to Sea. The story was likely based on her husband’s tales of his unhappy teenage years spent aboard a sailing ship on the trade route between Britain and India.
Throughout her literary career, Ann wrote around 50 books, most of which were intended for a young audience.
Among her works are Bill Marlin’s Tales of the Sea, Tappy’s Chicks and Other Links Between Nature and Human Nature, The Children’s Voyage, and Fables: Illustrated Stories from Real Life.
Public Life
It is important to note that, in addition to her literary talent, Ann had a big, warm heart. Her kindness, especially toward children, was evident throughout her life. Perhaps this was connected to her inability to have children of her own.
Among her many charitable deeds, one that stands out is her founding of a school for orphaned children in Aberfoyle.
Ann was also a member of the Young Women’s Christian Association.
A New Life
Turning to Ann’s biography, it’s important to mention that her husband, George Capples, passed away on October 17, 1891, at the age of 69. This event marked a major turning point in Ann’s life.
After losing her closest companion, Ann decided to join her sisters in New Zealand.
By November 14, 1894, Ann had arrived in New Zealand, where she began living with her unmarried sisters, Margaret and Caroline Douglas.
Even there, Ann did not remain idle. She began documenting her late husband’s work related to dogs. George had been not only a writer but also a breeder of the Scottish Deerhound breed.
The result of her work was a large illustrated book, exceeding 300 pages, titled Scotch Deerhounds and Their Masters.
Ann Capples’ talent enabled her to create numerous works that touched the hearts of children. Despite not being a mother, she had a profound understanding of child psychology and was able to select themes that would deeply resonate with young readers.
Moreover, Ann’s diligence and generosity were evident in her active public life and her continuous work on creating new books.
Even after moving to New Zealand, Ann felt that the world should learn about her husband’s valuable experience with dogs. The result was a vibrant and comprehensive book with many illustrations, which gained recognition and was very successful among readers.
Perhaps this is one of the key characteristics of Capples’ personality and work: no matter what she took on, it always turned out to be exceptional.