Eleanor Hallowell Abbott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
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| Born | September 22, 1872 Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Died | June 4, 1958 (aged 85) Portsmouth, New Hampshire |
| Occupation | Author |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | American |
Eleanor Hallowell Abbott (September 22, 1872 – June 4, 1958) was a famous American author. She wrote many stories and novels. Her work often appeared in The Ladies' Home Journal, a popular magazine.
Contents
Early Life and First Steps in Writing
Eleanor Hallowell Abbott was born on September 22, 1872. Her hometown was Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her father, Edward Abbott, was a clergyman. Her mother, Clara (Davis), edited a magazine called Literary World. Eleanor's grandfather was Jacob Abbott, a well-known children's author.
Because of her family, Eleanor grew up around many famous writers. She knew people like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Robert Lowell. Her childhood home was a place where people shared many ideas about religion and learning.
After going to private schools, Eleanor studied at Radcliffe College. Later, she worked as a secretary and a teacher. She started writing poems and short stories. At first, she didn't have much success. But then, Harper's Magazine accepted two of her poems. This made her feel hopeful about her writing. She later won three prizes for her short stories from magazines like Collier's and The Delineator.
Becoming a Famous Author
In 1908, Eleanor Abbott married Dr. Fordyce Coburn. They moved to Wilton, New Hampshire. Dr. Coburn was a medical advisor. He also helped his wife with her writing. Soon after moving, many popular magazines started publishing her work.
In 1909, Harper’s Monthly Magazine accepted two more of her poems. She went on to publish 75 short stories and 14 romantic novels. One of her books, Being Little in Cambridge When Everyone Else Was Big, is about her own childhood.
Eleanor Abbott said that as a child, she was nervous and easily excited. She used these feelings in her stories. Her writing often showed strong emotions. She wrote romantic stories. Even when her characters faced hard times, her novels and stories always had a happy ending.
Her main characters were often young girls. These girls were usually brave, very talkative, and full of energy. The male characters were often the opposite. They were quiet, strong, and patient.
Eleanor Abbott had a unique writing style. She aimed for her stories to feel fresh and original. She wrote with lots of energy and used surprising descriptions. She would only let her work be published if she truly liked it herself. Her main goal was to write from her own feelings about the story.
Some critics said her writing was charming but sometimes felt a bit forced. However, her work showed a new way of thinking. It moved away from the serious style common in New England at the time.
Eleanor Abbott did not have any children. She passed away in 1958 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Her writings, including many of her short stories, are kept at The University of New Hampshire Library.
Books by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
- Molly Make-Believe (1910)
- The Sick-a-Bed Lady (and other tales) (1911)
- The White Linen Nurse (1913)
- Little Eve Edgarton (1914)
- The Indiscreet Letter (1915)
- The Ne'er Do Much (1918)
- Love and Mrs. Kendrue (1919)
- Old-Dad (1919)
- Peace on Earth, Good-will to Dogs (1920)
- Rainy Week (1921)
- Silver Moon (1923)
- But Once A Year: Christmas Stories (1928)
- Being Little in Cambridge when Everyone Else was Big (1936)
Movies Based on Her Books
Some of Eleanor Abbott's novels were made into movies:
- Molly Make-Believe (1916), directed by J. Searle Dawley. This movie was based on her novel Molly Make-Believe.
- Little Eve Edgarton (1916), directed by Robert Z. Leonard. This movie was based on her novel Little Eve Edgarton.
- Old Dad (1920), directed by Lloyd Ingraham. This movie was based on her novel Old Dad.
See also
In Spanish: Eleanor Hallowell Abbott para niños
