Isabella Letitia Woulfe facts for kids

Isabella Letitia Woulfe was a writer born on May 11, 1817. She passed away on October 26, 1870. She is remembered for her very first novel, which was quite successful.

Isabella's Early Life

Isabella Letitia Graves was born on May 11, 1817. Her father was Lord Thomas Graves, 2nd Baron Graves, and her mother was Lady Mary Paget. Isabella was one of twelve children in her family.

Her family had an Irish "peerage," which meant they were part of the nobility. Her father was also a member of the British House of Commons. This is a part of the government where laws are made. Isabella was 12 years old when her father died. Her mother passed away when Isabella was 17.

Becoming a Writer

In 1844, Isabella became a Roman Catholic. She married Stephen Roland Woulfe on June 9, 1853. Stephen was the only son of Stephen Woulfe, a well-known Irish Catholic. Isabella and Stephen did not have any children. During their marriage, her husband worked as a "magistrate," which is like a local judge. He was also a "high sheriff" for County Clare in Ireland, a role that involved keeping law and order.

Just before she died, Isabella Woulfe finished writing a novel called Guy Vernon. This type of book was known as a "sensation novel." It was full of exciting stories, including gypsies, scandals, and two cases of "bigamy." Bigamy means being married to more than one person at the same time, which was against the law.

The reviews for Guy Vernon came out in 1869. Most people liked the book. They said it was an excellent start for a first-time author. Sadly, Isabella died in 1870, so she could not write any more novels.

Isabella's Book

• Guy Vernon. 3 volumes. London: Hurst and Blackett, 1870.