Jael Pye facts for kids
Jael Henrietta Pye (born Jael Mendez, around 1737–1782) was an English writer. She wrote four different kinds of books. These included a book about gardens, a collection of poems, a play, and a two-part novel. She is probably most famous for her book A Short Account, of the Principal Seats and Gardens, in and about Twickenham (1760). This book described the homes of important people in Twickenham during the Georgian era.
Contents
About Jael Pye's Life
Jael Pye's father was a merchant in London. His name was Solomon Mendez. He was a wealthy businessman who loved books.
Her Marriages and Family
Jael first married a lawyer named John Neil Campbell. Later, in 1766, she married Robert Hampden Pye. His father was a Member of Parliament (MP).
Her Background and Travels
Jael Pye was born into a Jewish family. However, a letter from Horace Walpole suggests she later became a Christian.
She was friends with famous people like the actor David Garrick and the writer Marie Jeanne Riccoboni. Jael Pye lived in France from 1774 to at least 1779. On November 9, 1774, she visited the famous French writer Voltaire in Paris. She passed away in France.
Jael Pye's Writings
In her book A Short Account (1760), Jael Pye wrote about the homes and gardens of well-known people in Twickenham. These included people like Hannah Pritchard, Kitty Clive, Horace Walpole, and Alexander Pope. She noted that visiting places like Twickenham was often the only travel women were allowed. It was also their only way to learn about art and culture. Horace Walpole, a famous writer, did not like her book. He called it a "silly little book."
Her Play and Novel
The famous actor David Garrick produced her play, A Capricious Lady, in 1771. It was a funny play, also known as a 'farce'. However, it was never published as a book.
Her novel, Theodosius and Arabella, was published after she died in 1786. It is described as a 'sentimental novel', which means it focused a lot on feelings and emotions.
List of Jael Pye's Works
- A Short Account, of the Principal Seats and Gardens, in and about Twickenham (1760). This book was later called A Peep into the Principal Seats and Gardens at and about Twickenham (1775).
- Poems, by a Lady (1767). This collection of poems was later published as Poems, by Mrs. Hamden Pye (1772).
- A Capricious Lady (a play, around 1771).
- Theodosius and Arabella (a novel with 2 volumes, 1786). This book was published after she died.
