Harriet Auber facts for kids

Harriet Auber (born October 4, 1773 – died January 20, 1862) was an English poet and hymnist. A hymnist is someone who writes hymns, which are religious songs. She is most famous for her book of poems called The Spirit of the Psalms, which came out in 1829. She also wrote a well-known hymn titled "Our blest Redeemer, ere he breathed," which is about the Holy Spirit.

Early Life

Harriet Auber was born in a part of London called Spitalfields on October 4, 1773. Her real first name was Henriette, but everyone knew her as Harriet. Her father, James Auber, was a clergyman in the Church of England. A clergyman is a leader in a Christian church. Her family came from French Protestants. They might have been related to the famous music composer Daniel Francois Esprit Auber.

Her Writing Career

Harriet Auber lived a quiet life with her sisters. First, they lived in Broxbourne, and later in Hoddesdon, both in Hertfordshire, England. She spent a lot of her time writing poems. Most of these poems were never published. She had many family members and friends.

The Spirit of the Psalms

In 1829, Harriet Auber's book, The Spirit of the Psalms; or, a Compressed Version of Select Portions of the Psalms of David, was published in London. It was published anonymously, meaning her name was not on it. This book contained many of her own poems and hymns. It also included some selections from other famous writers.

Some of her psalms (religious songs) from this book were later included in other collections, like the Church Psalmody in Boston in 1831. These collections gave credit to The Spirit of the Psalms as the source.

Confusion with Another Book

A few years later, in 1834, another book with a very similar title came out. This book was written by Reverend Henry Francis Lyte and was also called The Spirit of the Psalms. Because the titles were so similar, people sometimes got the two books mixed up. Later book compilers often thought Harriet Auber's hymns were written by Reverend Lyte. However, Harriet Auber's book was published first, when she was 56 years old.

Later Years

In her later life, Harriet Auber lived with her close friend, Miss Mary Jane McKenzie. Miss McKenzie was also a writer. She wrote a story called "Private Life" and books of "Lectures on the Parables" and "Lectures on the Miracles." Harriet Auber passed away on January 20, 1862, at the age of 88. She died at her home in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. She was buried there next to Miss McKenzie, who had died a few years before her.