The New Student's Reference Work/Ward, Mary Augusta Arnold

Ward, Mary Augusta Arnold (Mrs. Humphry Ward), English novelist, who has

[Image: MRS. HUMPHRY WARD]

achieved a worldwide fame, was born in 1851 at Hobart, Tasmania, where her father, Thomas Arnold, M. A., son of Dr. Thomas Arnold of Rugby and brother of Matthew Arnold, held an educational appointment. "Like George Eliot, Mrs. Humphry Ward's contact with literature and life has been broad and fruitful." Her ability and scholarship were shown early in her literary career by her contributions to Macmillan's Magazine, by her articles in Smith's Dictionary of Christian Biography and by her translation of Amiel's Journal Intime. Her first venture in fiction was a tale of an actress's life—Miss Bretherton (1884). Four years later appeared Robert Elsmere, a remarkable though rather skeptical production, dealing with the struggle of an aspiring soul toward a newer theistic faith and creed. In 1892 came from her gifted pen The History of David Grieve, and two years subsequently appeared Marcella, the latter a noble study of woman's nature. Among other writings are Sir George Tressady, a sort of art sequel to Marcella and Helbeck of Bannisdale, two works of remarkable power and compelling interest. Mrs. Ward is intimately associated with the social and educational work of University Hall, an institution in London, now merged in Passmore Edwards' Settlement.