A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Sedgwick. Catharine Maria
SEDGWICK. CATHARINE MARIA,
Was born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Her father, the Hon. Theodore Sedgwick, a citizen of high reputation, was at one time Speaker of the House of Representatives, afterwards senator in Congress, and, at the time of his death, filled the office, of judge of the supreme court of his state. Miss Sedgwick's first book, the "New England Tale," appeared in 1822. It was originally written for a religious tract; but as it gradually expanded into a work too large for such a purpose, she was prevailed on, with much difficulty, by her friends to give it to the world in its present form. It was received with such favour, that in 1827 the authoress was induced to publish her second work, a novel in two volumes, entitled "Redwood." This work met with great success, and was republished in England and translated into French and Italian. One of the characters in the book, Miss Debby Lennox, bears the stamp both of originality and truthfulness; and if it stood alone, would prove not only the extensive observation, but the great powers of invention possessed by its delineator. Miss Sedgwick's next work was "Hope Leslie, or Early Times in America," a novel in two volumes, published in 1827. This has continued to be her most popular tale; and, indeed, no novel written by an American, except, perhaps, the early works of Cooper, ever met with such success. In 1830, "Clarence, a Tale of our own Times," appeared; in 1832, "Le Bossu," one of the Tales of Glauber Spa; and in 1835, "The Linwoods, or Sixty Years Since, in America." During the same year she collected in one volume the shorter tales which had appeared in different periodicals; and in 1836 she published her popular story' of "The Poor Rich Man and the Rich Poor Man;" in 1837, "Live and Let Live;" in 1838, "Means and Ends, or Self-Training;" and afterwards, "A Love Token for Children," and "Stories for Young Persons." In 1840, she published her "Letters from Abroad to Kindred at Home," in two volumes; and not long after a "Life of Lucretia M. Davidson." She has also been a frequent contributor to annuals and periodicals. For the "Lady's Book" she wrote her thrilling novel, "Wilton Harvey." In the same magazine was published "A Huguenot Family," "Scenes from Life in Town," "Fanny McDermot," etc. These have lately been published in a new edition of Miss Sedgwick's works. A writer in the "National Portrait Gallery" thus truly estimates the characteristics of her genius:—
"It is evident that Miss Sedgwick's mind inclines towards cheerful views of life. There seems to be implanted in her heart a love of goodness and of the beautiful, which turns as naturally towards serenity and joy, as flowers lean towards the sun. It is manifest that though possessing great refinement herself, her sympathies are not confined to a coterie or class, but that they are called forth by every manifestation of virtue, even in the most humble circumstances, and that she looks with kind regard upon those gleams of a better nature which occasionally break forth amid prevailing clouds and darkness.
She affects no indifference to the accidental advantages of condition It would be impassible to diminish her interest in the powers and fascinations of genius and imagination, and she thinks it no duty to attempt it. But her highest favour and affection are reserved for that enduring virtue which is perfected through much trial and tribulation, and which needs no earthly witness or outward reward. She delights to see the "signet of hope upon the brow of infancy," but she remembers with more satisfaction the last smile of unfaltering faith and love, which even death itself spares for a season.
It is impossible to speak of her works without a particular regard to their moral and religious character. We know no writer of the class to which she belongs who has done more to inculcate just religious sentiments. They are never obtruded, nor are they ever suppressed. It is not the religion of observances, nor of professions, nor of articles of faith, but of the heart and life. It always comes forth; not as something said or done from a sense of necessity or duty, but as part of the character, and inseparable from its strength, as well as from its grace and beauty. It Is a union of that faith which works by love with that charity which never faileth.
There is another characteristic of Miss Sedgwick's writings which should not be overlooked. We allude to their great good sense and practical discretion; the notableness which they evince and recommend. This is so true, that we recollect having heard a zealous utilitarian declare, after reading one of her works, that political economy might be taught to the greatest advantage through the medium of romances."
Her style is peculiarly good; equally free from stiffness and negligence, it is more distinguished by delicacy and grace than strength, and the purity of her English may afford a model to some of our learned scholars.
Miss Sedgwick is evidently an ardent admirer of nature, and excels in describing natural scenery. She has also great powers both of invention and imagination, and delineates character with wonderful skill. Her children are, to a certain point, beautifully and naturally described; but there are in the mind of this writer two antagonistic principles—the usefully practical and the sentimentally romantic This is by no means uncommon with delicate and refined minds; they like to deviate into regions beyond the everyday world, yet sense and circumstances recall them to common truths; hence arise little discrepancies which mar in some degree the naturalness of the delineations. Miss Edgeworth is almost the only writer of children's books who has entirely avoided this fault; but it is difficult to arrive at this excellence, and it is no disparagement to Miss Sedgwick to say she has not attained it. With every abatement that can be made. Miss Sedgwick remains among the front rank of those earnest and sincere writers whose talents have been employed for the purpose of doing good, and whose works have obtained great and deserved popularity. Her books have, almost without exception, been reprinted and favourably received in this country.