C. E. Humphry facts for kids

C.E. Humphry (1843–1925) was a famous journalist in Victorian England. She often used the pen name "Madge." She wrote about topics important to women of her time. She was one of England's first female journalists. She wrote, edited, and published many works. She is best known for starting the "Lady's Letter" column in the magazine Truth. This magazine was read all over the British Empire. Her writing was similar to advice columnists like Emily Post or Ann Landers.

The Life of C.E. Humphry

Early Years and Education

Charlotte Eliza Graham was born on July 12, 1843. She was born in Omagh, Ireland. Her father was Rev. James Graham. He died when Charlotte was very young. She was educated in Dublin, Ireland.

Later, as an adult, Charlotte moved to London, England. By 1871, she was teaching English. She taught at a boarding school for girls. After that, she worked as a secretary. This was for a publication called the Drawing Room Gazette. In 1874, she became the editor of Sylvia's Journal. Soon after, Henry Du Pré Labouchère offered her a job. He wanted her to write a gossip column for women. This column was for his magazine Truth.

Marriage and Family

Charlotte married Joseph Albert Humphry. They got married on March 5, 1881. She lived in London after her marriage. Her daughter, Helen Pearl, was born there in 1882.

Later Life and Passing

C.E. Humphry passed away on April 2, 1925. She died in St John's Wood, London.

C.E. Humphry's Journalism Career

Mrs. Humphry, also known as Madge, started writing in 1873. Her column was called "Girl's Gossip." It appeared in the magazine Truth. She continued writing this column throughout her career. Mrs. Humphry was one of the first women journalists. She wrote a regular column just for women's topics.

When she started, there were not many places for women writers. But by the 1890s, journalism became more open to women. More women writers appeared in magazines. Mrs. Humphry herself talked about this change. She said:

The work for women in journalism is much bigger now. When I started, only a few papers had ladies' letters. These mainly talked about servants or babies. Now women play golf and cycle. The athletic girl is new. As women's lives grew, so did the chances for women writers.

Many other writers copied her style. Humphry's columns gave advice on many things. She wrote about managing a home. She also shared tips on good manners and social life. Her articles often included recipes. These recipes were from "the very best cooks." Her articles sometimes jumped between topics. Today, they might be found in an opinion section. You can read an example of her writing from 1887 here.

She also wrote about fashion and clothes. These articles were for the Daily News. She wrote another "Lady's Letters" column for the Globe. These were popular daily newspapers. She was also the editor of Sylvia's Home Journal. She likely worked for many of these at the same time. She also published several of her own books. These include:

• The Book of the Home: A Comprehensive Guide on All Matters Pertaining to the Household, 1909 (she was the editor of this 6-volume set)
• How to be Pretty Though Plain, 1899
• A word to women, 1898
• The Century Invalid Cookery Books, 1989
• Manners for men, 1897
• Manners for women, 1897

Helen Pearl Adam: Madge's Daughter

Helen Pearl Adam (1882-1957) was C.E. Humphry's daughter. She was born on April 25, 1882. Pearl started her own journalism career in 1899. She was seventeen years old. Ten years later, she married George Adam. He was also a newspaper writer.

Pearl and George were reporters in Paris during the First World War. George Adam had been sent there in 1912. In Paris, Pearl edited International Cartoons of the War in 1916. Later, she published her diary from that time. It was called Paris Sees it Through. After the war, they stayed in Paris. Pearl Adam met the writer Jean Rhys there. She let Rhys live in their apartment. Pearl also helped edit Rhys's first novel. She introduced Rhys to Ford Madox Ford.

George Adam left his job at the Times in 1921. But he kept working for American newspapers. Pearl wrote articles for many papers. These included the Evening Standard, Observer, and Sunday Times. They wrote a book together called A Book about Paris (1927). George Adam died in Paris in 1930. After his death, Pearl Adam moved back to England. She continued her writing career. This included writing the History of the National Council of Women of Great Britain in 1945. She passed away on January 2, 1957.