Anne Ker facts for kids
Anne Ker (born Phillips; 17 November 1766 – about 5 December 1821) was an English writer. She wrote six novels between 1799 and 1817. Anne wanted her books to be popular and sell well. She wrote exciting stories in the Romance and Gothic styles.
Important people helped Anne Ker with money for her writing. These included Lady Jerningham and the Princess of Wales, Caroline of Brunswick. Her marriage to a member of the Ker family, led by John Ker, also helped her work.
Why Anne Ker's Books Matter
Rachel Howard, who wrote about Anne Ker, said she was a strong and brave person. Anne had bold ideas about books, especially about women reading and writing. These ideas were part of big discussions happening at the time.
Howard also explains that Anne Ker's books were very popular with readers. However, some critics did not like them as much. This difference shows us how critics in the Romantic era sometimes had strong opinions. They often preferred books that were very moral or religious. They also did not like books that seemed to copy other styles.
Anne Ker's Life Story
Anne Phillips was born to John and Ann Philips. They lived in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea. A special piece of embroidery made to remember her birth shows her family's crest. It has a chained lion rampant.
Later in her life, Anne Ker faced money problems and became ill. She asked the Royal Literary Fund for help six times between 1820 and 1821. She only received help twice, getting £5 each time. She died in 1821 when she was fifty-four years old. She suffered from a condition called gout.
Anne Ker's Novels
Anne Ker wrote several novels during her career:
- The Heiress di Montalde; or, the Castle of Bezanto: A Novel (1799)
- Adeline St Julian; or, the Midnight Hour, a Novel (1800)
- Emmeline; or, the Happy Discovery, a Novel (1801)
- The Mysterious Count; or, Montville Castle. A Romance (1803)
- Modem Faults, a Novel, Founded on Facts (1804)
- Edric, the Forester: Or, the Mysteries of the Haunted Chamber. An Historical Romance (1817)
You can find a short summary of each novel in Rachel Howard's book about Anne Ker.
