Lucy Peacock facts for kids
Lucy Peacock (fl. 1785–1816) was a British author, editor, and publisher. She wrote many books for children and young adults in the late 1700s and early 1800s. She often wrote without using her name. She also worked as a bookseller and publisher, sometimes with family members. Their business was called 'R. and L. Peacock's Juvenile Library' in London.
About Lucy Peacock
We don't know much about Lucy Peacock's early life. She was likely born around 1768. She was very well-educated and could speak French fluently.
Lucy wrote, changed, and edited stories for young people. Her goal was to teach them about life and good behavior. From 1796 to 1807, she was a partner in a publishing company called R & L Peacock. This company focused on children's books. She was still alive in 1816 when she worked on a book called Friendly Labours.
Her Books
Lucy Peacock published her first story in 1785. It was called The Adventures of the Six Princesses of Babylon. This book was an adaptation of a much older story, made simpler for children. People thought she was very young when she wrote it, maybe only seventeen. This book was very popular and was printed many times. It was even translated into German.
In 1788, Lucy edited The Juvenile Magazine. This was one of the first magazines for children in Britain. It had stories and even a section where children could ask for advice. The magazine aimed to help young readers learn good manners and make good choices.
Her book The Visit for a Week (1794) was her most popular work. It was a story meant to teach children how to use their time wisely. This book was printed many times and was even translated into French.
Lucy also wrote other books like Eleanor and Jessey and Pastorals in prose. These were moral tales for young readers. In 1799, she published The Little Emigrant, another popular story.
She also wrote The Life of a Bee. Related by herself. This book was adapted from a French work and had fun notes to help children learn about nature. Later, she wrote Patty Primrose, or, The Parsonage House (1810). Her last known book was Emily, or, The Test of Sincerity, published in 1816.
Her Translations
Besides writing her own stories, Lucy Peacock also translated books from French into English. In 1796, she translated Lolotte et Fanfan into English. It was called Ambrose and Eleanor; or, The Adventures of Two Children Deserted on an Uninhabited Island. This book was also very popular and had many editions in both the UK and the US.
She also translated other works, including a collection of fables and fairy tales in 1797. In 1802 and 1807, she translated historical books, making them available to English readers.