Anne Burke (writer) facts for kids

Anne Burke was an Irish writer who lived from about 1780 to 1805. She was known for writing exciting and sometimes spooky stories called Gothic novels. Anne Burke was one of the very first women to write this popular type of fiction.

Anne Burke's Story

Anne Burke had a challenging life. She worked as a governess, teaching children in their homes. She also became a widow and had a son to care for. To support herself and her family, she decided to become a writer.

Becoming a Writer

Even though she wrote successful books, writing did not make her rich. She sometimes needed help from a group called the Royal Literary Fund. They gave her small amounts of money to help her get by. Anne Burke also hoped to open her own school. This was after she had to care for her son when he became sick with smallpox, a serious illness.

Her Famous Books

Anne Burke wrote many popular Gothic novels. People especially liked her dramatic writing style.

One of her books, Adela Northington, was published in 1796. This was a time when many new books were being released. Her book was part of a big increase in new stories that year.

Another very successful novel was Ela: or The Delusions of the Heart. This book was so popular that it was translated into different languages. It was also printed many times. Some people believe Ela might have even influenced another famous Gothic writer, Ann Radcliffe, when she wrote her book The Romance of the Forest.

Anne Burke is seen as an important Irish author who helped develop Gothic fiction. Other key Irish writers in this style include Regina Maria Roche, Mrs F. C. Patrick, Anna Millikin, Catharine Selden, Marianne Kenley, and Sydney Owenson (later Lady Morgan).